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I.I 


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2.2 


us 


110 


2.0 


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1.25      1.4    III  1.6 

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Photographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


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23  WIST  MAIN  STREET 

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CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


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Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiques 


^^^ 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notes/Notes  techniques  et  bibliographiques 


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D 
D 
D 


Coloured  covers/ 
Couverture  de  couleur 

Covers  damaged/ 
Couverture  endommagde 

Covers  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Couverture  restaurde  et/ou  pellicul6e 


r^  Cover  title  missing/ 

La[  Le  titre  de  couverture  manque 

□    Coloured  maps/ 
Cartes  gdographiques  en  couleur 

□    Coloured  ink  (i.e.  other  than  blue  or  black)/ 
Encre  de  couleur  (i.e.  autre  que  bleue  ou  noire) 


n 

[Tyr  Tight  binding  may  cause  shadows  or  distortion 


Coloured  plates  and/or  illustrations/ 
Planches  et/ou  illustrations  en  couleur 

Bound  with  other  material/ 
Reli6  avec  d'autres  documents 


D 


D 


along  interior  margin/ 

La  reliure  serr6e  peut  causer  de  I'onr^bre  ou  de  la 

distortion  le  long  de  la  marge  intdrieure 

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□    Coloured  pages/ 
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□    Pages  damaged/ 
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I — I    Pages  restored  and/or  laminated/ 


D 


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Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxe( 
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Pages  detached/ 
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Ce  document  est  film6  au  taux  de  reduction  indiqud  ci-dessous. 

18X  22X 


10X 


14X 


26X 


30X 


X 


12X 


16X 


20X 


24X 


28X 


32X 


f 


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to  the  generosity  of: 

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Photodupllcation  Service 


L'exemplaire  film6  fut  reproduit  grdce  d  la 
g6n6rosit6  de: 

Library  of  Congress 
Photodupllcation  Service 


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sion, or  the  back  cover  when  appropriate.  All 
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first  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
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or  illustrated  impression. 


The  last  recorded  frame  on  each  microfiche 
shall  contain  the  symbol  --^  (meaning  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  the  symbol  V  (meaning  "END"), 
whichever  applies. 


Les  images  suivantes  ont  6t6  reproduites  avec  le 
plus  grand  soin,  compte  tenu  de  la  condition  et 
de  la  nettetd  de  l'exemplaire  filmd,  et  en 
conformity  avec  les  conditions  du  contrat  de 
filmage. 

Les  exemplaires  originaux  dont  la  couverture  en 
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dernidre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration,  soit  par  le  second 
plat,  selon  le  cas.  Tous  les  autres  exemplaires 
originaux  sont  film6s  en  commenpant  par  la 
premiere  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration  et  en  terminant  par 
la  dernidre  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 

Un  des  symboles  suivants  apparaitra  sur  la 
dernidre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  selon  le 
cas:  le  symbole  -*-  signifie  "A  SUIVRE",  le 
symbole  V  signifie  "FIN". 


Maps,  plates,  charts,  etc.,  may  be  filmed  at 
different  reduction  ratios.  Those  too  large  to  be 
entirely  included  in  one  exposure  are  filmed 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  frames  as 
required.  The  following  diagrams  illustrate  the 
method: 


Les  cartes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvent  dtre 
filmds  d  des  taux  de  reduction  diffdrents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  dtre 
reprod«jlt  en  un  seul  clich6,  il  est  film6  d  partir 
de  I'angle  sjp6rieur  gauche,  de  gauche  d  droite, 
et  de  haut  en  bas,  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'images  ndcessaire.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
illustrent  la  mdthode. 


1  2  3 


32X 


1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

::^ 


PI 


A    THEOLOGICAL    ROMANCE. 


REMINISCENCES 


OF 


A   PREACHER. 


/ 


BY  WILLIAM  McDonnell, 


AUTHOR  OF 


»  Eoxier  Hall;'    "  Heathens  of  the  Heath,"    "  Family 
Creeds,"  "  The  Beautiful  Snow,"  <fco. 


• -J^^ii^v  ^ 


BOSTON: 

PUBUSHED  BY  J.  P,  MENDUM,  INVESTIGATOR  OFFICE, 

Paisb  Hbxobial  BmLDIXO,  Applbtoii  Stbbbt. 

1887. 


-« 

^ 


Copyright,  1887, 

BY  J08IAH  P.  MENDUM 

Boston. 


.«jsa?*a'-: 


CONTENTS. 

— o • 

CHAPTER  I. 
A  Bemabkadle  Providence 3 

CHAPTER  n. 

A  Reckless  Career 7 

CHAPTER  lU. 

Fob  tue  Tented  Field 12 

chapter  iv. 

QUATRE    BbAS , 21 

chapter  v. 
Waterloo 27 

CHAPTER  VI. 

In  Hospital 33 

chapter  vu. 
Earth  to  Earth 40 

CHAPTER  Vra. 

On  a  Wild  CiRcxnT 43 

CHAPTER  IX. 

Ahono  Enolish  Savages 52 

CHAPTER   X. 

A  Field  fob  Missionaries ei 

CHAPTER   XI. 

Mv  Co- Worker 70 

CHAPTER  XII. 

A  Betrayal 81 


^Snt 


ii  CONTKNT9. 

CHAPTER    Xm. 

A  Fading  Flowek 02 

CIIAITER    XIV. 

Shall  We  Meet  Again  ? 103 

CHAPTER  XV. 

Dreams  and  Witches 114 

CHAPTER   XVI. 

The  Haunted  House 127 

chapter  xvh. 
Christmas 139 

CHAPTER   XVIH. 

The   Ghost 150 

CHAPTER   XIX 

Exorcism 15^ 

CHAPTER   XX. 

The  Reprieve 164 

chapter  xxi. 
Capital  Punishment 170 

CHAPTER    XXH.                       . 
Eternal  Punishment 185 

CHAPTER   XXIII. 

Conflicting  Teachers 102 

CHAPTER   XXrV. 

Wolves  in  Sheep's  Clothing 204 

CHAPTER   XXV. 

Watchman,  What  of  the  Night? 221 

CHAPTER   XXVI. 

The  Dawn 228 


103 

114 

127 

139 

150 

156 

164 

170 

.  .  I  .  186 

102 

204 

221 

228 


REMINISCENCES 


or 


A   PKEACHER. 


CHAPTER   I. 


A  KEMAKKAIILE  PnOVlDENCE. 

Of  a  truth  we  may  say  "  that  our  life  seems  as  but  a 
dream,  and  our  past  years  but  a  fleeting  vision."  Our 
days  pass  almost  imperceptibly  away,  some  like  swift 
shadows  over  a  troubled  sea;  others  like  flitting  gleams 
before  a  coming  storm.  We  may  rise  in  the  morning 
full  of  hope  and  expectation;  at  glowing  noon,  in  the 
fervid  heat  of  the  day,  we  may  often  find  ourselves  en- 
compassed by  unexpected  difficulties  engendering  anx- 
ious thought;  when  the  quiet  evening  steals  upon  us 
we  may  too  often  feel  languid  and  discouraged;  and, 
when  the  night  closes  upon  the  scene,  we  may  fre- 
quently experience  all  the  regrets,  the  depression,  and, 
it  may  be,  the  pangs  resulting  from  the  bitterest  dis- 
appointment. 

How  exquisite  is  the  feeling  which  arises  when  we 
see  the  dawn  steal  from  the  womb  of  night,  lingering 
for  a  moment  on  the  mountain  top,  ere  it  paces  slowly 
down  to  leave  a  ray  in  eveiy  dew-drop,  or  send  out  its 
fragrant  zephyr  messengers  to  whisper  away  the  shades 


REM1NIHCKNCE9 


from  the  valley,  and  to  pencil  in  tho  dim  Ugh:  the 
faintest  form  of  the  sleeping  lloweis!  Tiicn  how  glorious 
to  8CC  the  sun  appear  in  mellow  splendor,  stretching  hia 
wide  beaniH  along  the  horizon,  Hprcadiug  a  blush  of  gold 
over  tho  sluinl)ering  sea,  sending  its  early  ray  to  burnish 
tho  hill  tops,  and  to  fringe  the  distant  cloud,  which 
seems  In  such  a  sUvtc  of  repose,  with  a  border  of 
radiance! 

These  arc  attractive  scones  which  have  a  tendency  at 
such  an  hour  to  engender  hope  and  awaken  the  most 
aTreeablc  anticipations;  but  long  ere  night,  the  lono 
cfoud  which  appeared  so  harmless  In  tho  sky,  may  have 
spread  out  its  black  wings  wide,  and  still  wider,  and 
then,  as  it  were,  letting  free  Its  pent-up  demons  of  cvd, 
we  witness  the  woeful  revel  of  death  and  devastation 
which  too  often  follows. 

Many  a  life,  like  many  a  day,  has  thus  begun  with  the 
fairest  hopes,  but  to  be  prematurely  shortened  by 
clouds,  storms,  and  disaster. 

In  the  varied,  the  variegated,  and  the  solemn  scenes 
through  which  I  have  passed  during  a  long  term  of 
years°therc  are  some  things  so  strange  and  startling, 
that  a  record  of  them  might  seem  to  many  but  the  wild 
circumstances  of  a  frenzied  imagination.  However,  be 
this  as  it  may,  they  are  those  which  relate  to  human 
life,  and  as  events  occur  almost  evei7  day  '^hlch  make 
facts  stronger  than  fiction,  those  which  I  have  to  pre- 
sent may  perhaps  be  Interesting  to  the  ordinary  reader, 
suggestive  to  the  philanthropist,  and  admonitory  to  the 
reckless  and  inexperienced. 

I  was  scarcely  more  than  seven  years  of  age  when  I 
was  designed  for  the  ministry.  My  mother  was  a  veiy 
religious  woman,  who  thought  that  her  only  son  should 
be  dedicated  to  tho  Lord,  and  especially  trained  for  hia 
service.  She  was  most  desirous  that  I  should  spend  my 
life  as  an  ambassador  from  God  to  his  fellow-creature 


n 

8l 

ai 

SI 

d^ 

al 

01 
01 

ai 
T 
it 

n 

I 
h 
tl 

St 
S( 

d< 

b( 

01 

Pi 
a! 
B 
hi 
w 

C( 

tl 

in 
di 

g' 
w 

ai 

ai 

Hi 


■««ii! 


OF  A   PREACHER. 


tn  Ugh:  the 
liow  glorious 
Lrelchlng  Iiia 
)luah  of  gold 
ly  to  burnish 
uloud,  which 
a  border  of 

I  tendency  ot 
ken  the  most 
;ht,  the  lono 
ty,  may  have 
ill  wider,  and 
mons  of  evil, 
1  devastation 

!gun  with  the 
jhortened  by 

iolemn  scenes 
long  term  of 
and  startling, 
Y  but  the  wild 
However,  be 
te  to  human 
y  ^thich  make 
[  have  to  pre- 
dinary  reader, 
onitory  to  the 

)f  age  when  I 
lier  was  a  veiy 
nly  son  should 
rained  f  or  hia 
ould  spend  my 
fellow-creature 


man,  and,  to  this  intent,  her  prayers  were  nlmost  con- 
stant that  I  should  exptTioneo  an  early  chango  of  hcurt, 
and  tliat  1  Khould  bo  endowed  witli  gifts  and  graces 
sulllcient  to  make  the  momentous  message  which  I  was 
destined  to  bring  to  perishing  sinners  peculiarly  accept- 
able. Apart  from  her  piouf  diisiro  that  J  should  become 
one  of  God's  ministering  servants,  she  felt  it  incumbent 
on  her,  as  a  debt  of  gntitudo,  to  give  mo  up  willingly 
and  entirely  to  the  great  work  of  spreading  the  Glad 
Tidings, — gratitude  for  what  she  considered  a  divine 
interposition  which  saved  me  from  almost  instant  death. 

As  it  is  an  event  which  must  ever  be  foremost  in  my 
memory,  I  shall  give  an  account  of  it  here. 

On  a  very  sultry  day  more  than  three  score  years  ago, 
I  was  playing  in  a  field  with  a  little  school-fellow.  We 
had  wandered  away  some  distance  from  home,  and  had 
thought  of  returning,  for  the  sky  had  become  almost 
suddenly  darkened,  and  iho  appearance  of  the  heavens 
so  portentous,  that  we  had  already  felt  great  fear.  In- 
deed, children  of  our  age  at  the  time  might  well  have 
been  frightened,  for  I  never  before  saw  such  gloom 
overhead,  and  many  persons,  even  t)f  mature  age,  would 
probably  have  been  alarmed  at  the  dread  and  ominous 
aspect  of  the  massive  black  clouds  which  were  above  us. 
Big  drops  now  began  to  fall,  and  as  wo  were  near  no 
house,  shed,  or  other  place  of  shelter,  we  rushed  to- 
wards a  large  tree  which  stood  close  to  a  wet  ditch  near  a 
corner  of  the  field.  We  had  barely  got  under  this  when 
the  rain  came  down  like  one  vast  heavy  stream,  drench- 
ing us  in  a  few  moments  to  the  very  skin.  A  sudden 
darkness  appeared  to  fall  around  us,  the  wind  blew  with 
great  violence,  and  the  loud  thunder  shook  the  earth 
where  we  stood.  My  companion  trembled  with  fear, 
and  commenced  to  cry  aloud,  his  voice  being  hardly 
audible  in  the  uproar  of  the  elements.  The  zigzag 
lightning,  as  it  frequently  spent  its  vivid  flash,  left  ua 


',./£.»     T»*»^t"4V*.S*     '  Ir  -.    ■ 


^  KEMINIHUKNCE8 

in  momentury  <1ftikiH'Hs,  and  (Ik'i>  uKain  ([iiUkly  foUowfil 
tho  thuiulcr  in  di'iiffniii^'  nimrlH  siitlUiciit  (o  1111  many 
a  »lout  hcail  witli  U-vvor.  My  yoini','  frli  ml  in  hU  ter- 
riblo  (lrun<l  clutilu'd  nic,  \\w  poor  lilllc  IVUow  l)cin>,' 
apparently  distracttMl.  Fhwli  afti-r  llash  iollowi-d,  wlu-n 
Huddenly  I  imagined  that  1  had  received  a  violent  blow, 
and  I  must  have  fallen  senHclcHH  to  I  lie  (urth. 

How  loni?  I  lay  there  I    know  not;  it  was  some  hours 
afterward  before  I  recovtired  my  «en8e8.    I  found  my- 
self in  a  HtranK«  pliK'e.     It  was  an  apartment  in  a  hum- 
ble farm-houHe,  and  when  I  looked  around  I  could  sec  a 
number  of    persons,  all    api)arently   stran-jfers.    As  I 
turned  a  >,'lance  toward  the  open  door,  a  terrible  sight 
mot  my  eyes.     On  the  bare  floor  was  stritched  the  body 
of  the  little  boy  who  was  with  me.     He  must  have  been 
struck  dead   in   a  inomiMil.    The  tree  under  which  wo 
stood  had  been  shattered  to  pieces  by  the  lightning,  and 
we  were  discovered  lying  under  some  broken  branches, 
omc  person  present  clianeed  to  know  me,  and  I  was 
aken  home  that  evening.     I  could  not  walk,  for  one 
side  of  my  body  was  quite  benumbed,  and  it  was  some 
days  afterwards  before   I  was  restored.    My  praymg 
mother  considered  this  a  miraculous  deliverance;  not  a 
doubt  of  this  was  in  her  mind,  and  in  her  deep  grati- 
tude for  my  preservation,  she  then  and  there  promised 
the  Lord  that,  from  that  day  forth,  I  should  be  wholly 
dedicated  to  His  service.    Since  that  far-back  time,  I 
never  see  a  storm,  hear  the  thunder,  or  watch  the  vivid 
lightning,  but  it  reminds  me  of  the  sad  fate  of  my  little 
companion— the  mysterious  Trovidencc  which  it  was 
said  had  preserved  me  must  therefore  have  destroyed 
him  I 


or  A  ruKAcuui. 


ilikly  followt'd 
it  l«)  1111  nmny 
U(l  ill  his  ter- 
I  fellow  liciiif,' 
oUowimI,  wlii'ii 
I  violent  IjIow, 
nil. 

as  some  lioiirs 
,  I  I'ouiici  my- 
iftit  in  a  lium- 
(l  I  could  SCO  a 
anj^ers.  As  I 
V  terrible  siglit 
tchcd  (lie  lioily 
iiist  liavc  l)ccii 
ndcr  wliioli  wc 

lightning,  and 
Dlicii  branches. 

me,  and  I  was 

walk,  for  one 
lid  it  was  some 
I.  My  praying 
ivcrance;  not  a 
ler  deep  grati- 
thero  promised 
lould  bo  wholly 
iir-hack  time,  I 
watch  the  vivid 
!ate  of  my  little 
I  which  it  was 

have  destroyed 


CIIiU'TEU  II. 
A    HKCKLE88    CAnEER 

I  said  I  was  an  only  son.  I  was  at  this  time,  in  fact, 
the  only  child.  I  n  nieniber  a  Utile  red-cheeked,  fair- 
liaired,  blue-eyed  maiden,  who  used  to  have  a  doll  with 
llaxcn  hair,  so  like  her  own.  Ah!  how  I  can  still  re- 
member iierl  She  was  my  sister,  the  only  one  1  ever 
had.  Our  few  years  together — now  comparatively  like 
(la\.  or  hours — were  so  full  of  soft  sunshine,  like  that 
of  th('  mild  spring-time,  or,  in  a  degree,  like  the  a/.uro 
which  I  was  told  was  around  the  (Jreat  Tlirone,  near  to 
which  she  is  to  be  happy  forcvcrmore.  Little  Sarah, 
two  years  my  senior,  went  aw.iy.  Ohl  how  I  missed 
her!  She  was  called  hence  to  take  her  place,  as  was 
said,  among  the  angels  in  heaven,  and  I  was  left  alone. 

Many  a  Sabbath  afterwards  I  used  to  visit  her  grave 
while  the  sun  was  shining  and  the  bells  ringing  for 
service.  And  when  I  saw  children,  brothers  and  sis- 
ters, enter  the  church  hand  in  hand,  I  would  think  of 
her,  and  my  eyes  would  fill  with  tears,  and  my  heart  bo 
ready  to  burst.  What  a  terrible  chastening  is  the  rup- 
ture of  such  human  ties!  How  hard  it  is  to  admit  that 
such  afflictions  may  be  for  our  good!  Yet  submission 
to  these  is  the  stern  admonition.  After  an  absence  of 
some  years,  when  I  revisited  the  churchyard  again,  tho 
little  mound  which  marked  her  resting-place  had  been 
removed,  probably  to  make  room  for  some  other  tenant, 
and  I  turned  away  in  sadness,  never  to  look  at  the  spot 


When  I  was  about  nineteen  years  of  age,  a  very  pious 
man  named  Shaw,  who  had  been  set  apart  for  the  work 


^hmii^'im^i 


if)*tiSfe-iU»--<  " 


0  UEMINI8CENCES 

of  preaching  the  gospel  by  the  founder  of  Methodism 
himself,  wiis  iippoiutuil  to  ii  circuit  in  London,  in  which 
city  we  then  resided.    My  mother  got  acquainted  with 
him  in  Birmingham,  where  wo  had  had  our  home  up  to 
the  time  of  my  father's  death,  then  scarcely  two  years. 
Mr.  Shaw  was  a  widower.    He  had  a  daughter  who  waa 
about  three  years  my  junior,  and  rather  a  good-looking, 
innocent  girl.   He  lived  in  a  house  but  a  few  steps  from 
our  own.   He  soon  became  very  popular,  people  crowded 
to  hoar  him,  and  he  induced  many  to  join  the  Society 
who   had   previously  lived   vei-y  carelessly,  and  with 
scarcely  a  thought  as  to  their  condition  in  a  future  state. 
He  often  visited  us,  and,  as  the  custom  then  was,  often 
prayed  for  us— long,  loud  prayers  that  were  sometimes 
al-nost  boisterous,  causing  me  often  to  shrink  at  the 
i.ound  of  his  long-drawn  words.    Ho  often  came,  and  it 
was  not  a  great  while  until  I  began  to  suspect  that  there 
was  a  feeling  of  more  than  ordinary  friendship  between 
him  and  my  mother.    I  must  say  that  this  gave  me  the 
greatest  uneasiness,  and  in  spite  of  all  I  could  do,  I 
began  to  entertain  a  dislike  for  our  preacher,  whose 
visits  had  now  become  more  frequent.   In  fact,  for  some 
reason  for  which  I  cannot  account,  he  was  a  person  I 
could  never  cordially  esteem,  and  at  this  time  in  par- 
ticular I  felt  indignant  that  any  one,  let  him  be  esteemed 
ever  so  pious,  should  come  between  my  mother  and 

myself. 

Things  went  on  this  way  for  about  half  a  year  longer. 
One  aft'eruoon,  when  she  and  I  were  alone  together, 
she  asked,  "  Harry,  how  in  it  that  you  do  not  attend 
meetings  as  regularly  as  formerly?  " 

Here  was  a  coveted  opportunity  to  introduce  a  subject 
which,  from  an  unaccountable  diffidence,  I  had  hitherto 
felt  a  difficulty  in  making  any  attempt  to  mention. 

"  Because,"  I  replied,  "  I  am  tired  of  Mr.  Shaw's 
preaching.    He  comes  here  now  nearly  every  evening 


'Jf:- 


OF  A  PREACHER. 


under  of  Methodism 
ill  London,  in  which 
got  acquainted  with 
had  our  home  up  to 
1  scarcely  two  years, 
a  daughter  who  waa 
ither  a  good-looking, 
but  a  few  steps  from 
jular,  people  crowded 
y  to  join  the  Society 
carelessly,  and  with 
lion  in  a  future  state, 
stora  then  was,  often 
that  were  sometimes 
ten  to  shrink  at  the 
lo  often  came,  and  it 
I  to  suspect  that  there 
•y  friendship  between 
hat  this  gave  me  the 
of  all  I  could  do,  I 
•  our  preacher,  whose 
cnt.   In  fact,  for  some 
nt,  he  was  a  person  I 
at  this  time  in  par- 
e,  let  him  be  esteemed 
ween  my  mother  and 

out  half  a  year  longer, 
were  alone  together, 
lat  you  do  not  attend 
?"       . 

■  to  introduce  a  subject 
Hdence,  I  had  hitherto 
3mpt  to  mention, 
a  tired  of  Mr.  Shaw's 
'  nearly  every  evening 


to  give  us  one  of  his  long  prayera,  and  one  of  his  weari- 
some lectures.  lie  seems  to  have  more  spare  lime  for 
us  than  for  others  who  need  him  more;  and  as  he  must 
be  away  on  Sunday,  and  as  we  can  have  the  place  to 
ourselves  on  that  day  at  least,  I  keep  from  chapel  to 
avoid  meeting  him — I'm  tired  of  him  I  " 

"OhI  Harry,  what  a  spirit  you  manifesti  You  really 
surprise  me.  Mr.  Shaw  is  a  good  man,  a  God-fearing 
man,  whose  heart  is  in  his  work.  He  is  greatly  attached 
to  you,  and  wishes  to  do  what  he  cau  to  fit  you  for  the 
high  calling  which  is  before  you." 

"  Mother,"  1  replied,  looking  at  her  with  all  the  stern- 
ness I  could  command,  "  it  seems  to  me  that  you  know 
more  of  that  man's  heart  and  of  his  attachments  than  I 
wish  you  knew.  To  follow  his  calling  would  now  be 
hateful.  I  never  want  to  be  a  preacher.  Do  you  think 
I'm  blind?  Cannot  I  see  what  others  see,  and  hear 
what  others  say?" 

"  And  pray  what  dare  they  say? ''  demanded  she  in  a 
lone  almost  as  stern  as  my  own. 

"  Why,  that  you  are  infatuated  with  Shaw,  and  that 
you,  after  the  fashion  of  certain  oth^r  women,  run  after 
your  preacher  and  neglect  your  home.  That's  what 
they  say." 

"  And-'you  have  listened  credulously  to  such  a  slan- 
der, Harry?  "  asked  she  calmly. 

"  How  could  I  help  it,  mother?  It  is  common  talk 
among  the  members  of  the  Society.  Even  the  bare 
rumor  of  such  a  thing  would  make  me  miserable." 

"  Do  you  believe  me  capable  of  doing  wrong,"  she 
inquired,  "  wrong  at  my  time  of  life?  " 

"  I  wish  to  believe  nothing  against  you;  but,  mother, 
how  can  I  shut  my  eyes  to  what  I  must  see?  I  some- 
times fancy  I  can  notice  a  stmnge  intimacy  between 
you  and  Shaw— lately  in  particular— and  I  cannot  con- 
trol my  dislike  to  the  man  to  whom  you  seem  so 
partial." 


'mmsL- 


10 


REMINISCENCES 


"OhI  Ilarty!  "  exclaimed  she,  feelingly,  "bow  you 
mistake  me,  and  how  you  misunderstand  himl  But  I 
have  done  wrong  in.  one  way.  I  should  have  told  you 
before;  I  now  admit  this." 

When  she  said  these  words  the  blood  rushed  to  my 
brain  as  if  I  were  about  to  hear  something  terrible. 
She  held  my  hand,  whieh  was  now  almost  trembling, 
and  she  repeated,  "  I  have  done  wrong.  I  wished  to 
tell  you,  but  he  forbade  my  doing  so  for  a  time.  I  shall 
tell  you  now." 

"  Good  God,  mother!  "  cried  I,  starting  up  in  an  ex- 
cited manner.    "  What  have  you  to  tell  me?  " 

She  still  held  my  hand.  She  was  nervous,  and  now 
almost  unable  to  speak  above  a  whisper.  "  Be  calm, 
my  son,"  she  replied  in  a  low  voice,  "  and  you  shall 
hear."  She  begged  of  me  to  be  seated  by  her  side.  I 
saw  her  eyes  fill  with  tears,  but  anticipating  some  hate- 
ful revelation  1  was  as  restless  as  ever. 

"You  know,  Harry,"  she  continued  in  the  same 
undertone,  "you  know  that  in  fuUilling  my  desire 
respecting  yourself,  you  would  soon  have  to  leave  me. 
You  passed  a  fair  examination  at  the  late  district  meet- 
ing, your  name  has  been  entered,  and  I  have  been 
assured  that  the  next  Conference  will  send  you  out  on 
your  first  year's  probation.  Now  as  you  may  be  sent  to 
travel  in  some  remote  place,  fifty  or  a  hundred  miles 
from  me,  and  as  the  little  means  at  my  disposal  would 
not  permit  me  to  leave  here  and  accompany  you,  I 
should  be  left  alone." 

"  OhI  I  see,"  said  I,  interrupting  her;  "  this  is  the 
artful  way  the  case  has  been  put.  Somebody  wants  to 
get  me  out  of  the  way." 

"  Now,  patience,  Harry,"  almost  pleaded  my  mother. 
"  Is  it  not  the  truth?  You  know  it  is.  I  should  be  left 
alone  without  a  protector,  and,  anticipating  this,  Mr. 
Shaw,  who,  you  must  admit,  has  been  particularly  kind 


toyc 
of  m 

1  s 
cried 
sorio 
siirel 
inclii 
circii 
folio 
I  shii 
callii 
critic 

He 
and  t 
face 
more 

"I 
not  I 

"I 
one  c 
thing 
week 
my  h 

"J 
sliall 
my  cl 
moth 
ever  l 
as  I  r 
me  01 

Oh 

nie! 
years 
from 
I  gav( 
theh< 


selingly,  "  how  you 
stand  himl  But  I 
ould  have  told  you 

blood  rushed  to  my 
something  terrible, 
almost  trembling, 
vrong.  I  wished  to 
for  a  time.    I  shall 

itarting  up  in  an  ex- 
tell  me?" 

nervous,  and  now 
hisper.  "  Be  calm, 
ice,  "  and  you  shall 
sated  by  her  side.  I 
icipating  some  hate- 
er. 

inucd   in  the  same 
fuUilling  my  desire 

have  to  leave  me. 
lie  late  district  meet- 
,  and  I  have  been 
?ill  send  you  out  on 
3  you  may  be  sent  to 
Dr  a  hundred  miles 
i  my  disposal  would 
i  accompany  you,  I 

2  her;    "  this  is  the 
Somebody  wants  to 

pleaded  my  mother. 
;  is.  I  should  be  left 
nticipating  this,  Mr. 
een  particularly  kind 


OF    A    PREACHER. 


11 


to  you  and  me,  made  me— made  me— an  offer— an  offer 
of  marriage." 

1  sprang  from  my  seat  again.  "  Mother,  motherl "  I 
cried  out,  "  I  cannot  listen  to  this.  If  you  ever  think 
seriously  of  this  infamous  proposal,  we  part  forever,  we 
surely  shall.  More  to  please  you  than  to  gratify  any 
inclination  of  my  own,  I  have  consented  to  go  on  a 
circuit  as  a  travelling  preacher,  but  if  such  result  is  to 
follow  what  woulil  be  at  most  but  a  temporary  parting, 
I  shall  remain  here  and  go  at  some  more  acceptable 
calling.  This  is  unbearable!  Let  the  doting  old  hypo- 
critical fool  live  with  his  daughter." 

Here  was  a  pause.  I  was  more  excited  than  ever, 
and  though  the  tears  had  left  my  mother's  eyes,  her 
face  was  very  pale,  and  she  resumed  in  a  voice  still 
more  humble  and  subdued,  "  It  is  too  late,  Harryl  " 

"  It  is  not,"  I  cried  impetuously.  "  It  is  not;  it  must 
not  be." 

"  It  is  too  late,"  she  continued.  "  I  made  the  subject 
one  of  prayerful  consideration;  I  have  been  doing  eveiy 
Ihiug  for  the  best— yes,  for  the  best;  and  more  than  a 
week  ago  I  was— I  was— married,  and  Mr.  Shaw  is  now 
my  husband,  and— your  father." 

"Jfy  father!    Great  heavens !     By !   the  wretch 

shall  be  no  father  of  mine!    And  see,"  cried  I,  raising 

my  clenched  fist,  "  By 1  you  shall  be   no  more  my 

mother,  I  shall  be  no  more  your  son,  and  we  part  for- 
ever from  this  very  hour!  Away,  woman!  "  shouted  1 , 
as  I  rudely  pushed  her  from  me  when  she  tried  to  clasp 
me  once  more  in  her  arms. 

Oh!  the  remorse  which  that  last  parting  has  brought 
nie!  Oh!  the  sorrow  of  heart  which  has  been  mine  for 
years!  Oh!  the  deep  penitence  which  has  followed 
from  my  reckless  haste,  from  the  mortal  wounds  which 
I  gave,  from  the  profane  oaths  which  I  uttered,  from 
the  heart  which  I  withered,  and  from  the  life  which  I 


;fei.^.'>-'^V\:-i^--l-"- W-S.'^'.i'^  ^ 


1 


It 


REMINISCENCKS 


Bhortcnedl  Oh  I  my  mother!— coiildst  thou  but  see 
the  bitter  tears  I  have  since  shed;  couldst  thou  but 
know  how  I  have  wandered  a  wretched  fugitive  in  hun- 
ger and  thirst,  wishing  for  death;  couldst  thou  but 
know  that  thy  last  appealing  look  is  forever  before  ray 
eyes,  and  that  almost  ever  since  the  day  of  our  separa- 
tion I  have  been  patiently  awaiting  that  coming  hour 
which  may  bring  us  together  again  to  let  mo  see  thy 
smile  of  reconciliation  in  the  promised  kingdom  of  the 
blesti  , 


CIIAPTER  III. 

FOE  THE   TENTED  FIELD. 

I  rushed  from  her  presence— Oh  I  God  I  never  to  look 
on  her  face  again  I  What  madness!  But  out  I  rushed! 
I  was  excited  and  feverish  and  wild,  I  knew  not  and 
cared  not  which  way  I  went.  I  passed  along  hurriedly 
through  crowded  streets  as  indififerent  to  those  around 
as  if  I  were  but  among  trees  in  a  vast  forest.  I  was  too 
agitated  to  think  of  suicide,  and  I  passed  over  London 
Bridge  without  a  thought  of  the  kind.  Had  I  been 
calmer,  and  had  it  been  darker,  I  cannot  say  but  that  1 
might  possibly  have  taken  a  plunge  in  that  Lethean 
stream  which  has  brought  oblivion  to  so  many;  or  had 
I  been  in  some  lonely  place  where  I  could  see  moon- 
beams stretched  out  like  a  shroud  upon  a  sheet  of  placid 
water,  I  might  have  been  easily  tempted  to  hide  beneath 
the  shining  lake,  and  let  my  life  and  my  mortified  feel- 
ings pass  away  together. 


B 

I  su 

som 

one 

got 

trou 

enoi 

any 

It 
rain 
and 
take 
nevt 
my  I 
to  a 
whal 
Prev 
or  w 
pera 
now, 
Ught 
song 
desii 
thin; 
stupi 

In 
had  I 
gin. 
oblig 
payn 
by  ot 

ty,fc 

case  I 
chanj 
chase 
Ever 
fond 


;ncks 

I— couldst  thou  but  see 
shed;  couldst  thou  but 
rrctched  fugitive  in  hun- 
leath;  couldst  thou  but 
jok  is  forever  before  my 
3  the  day  of  our  separa- 
iraitlng  that  coming  hour 
Jgain  to  let  mo  see  thy 
omiscd  kingdom  of  the 


III. 

D  FIELD. 

Oh  I  Godl  never  to  look 
ess  I     But  out  I  rushedl 
wild.    I  knew  not  and 
passed  along  hurriedly 
Gferent  to  those  around 
I  vast  forest.    I  was  too 
I  passed  over  London 
the  kind.    Had  I  been 
I  cannot  say  but  that  1 
lunge  in  that  Lethean 
on  to  so  many;  or  had 
jre  I  could  see  moon- 
1  upon  a  sheet  of  placid 
empted  to  hide  beneath 
and  my  mortified  feel- 


OF  A  PREACHER. 


18 


But  it  was  not  to  be  thus;  the  great  Tempter  was  not, 
I  suppose,  permitted  to  prevail.  I  must  have  walked 
some  miles  before  I  really  knew  what  I  was  doing.  In 
one  respect  the  violent  exercise  had  a  good  effect,— I 
got  rid  of  my  great  excitement,  and  though  I  was  still 
troubled  with  a  whirl  of  angry  ideas,  I  was  collected 
enough  to  discover  that  I  was  wandering  about  without 
any  definite  purpose. 

It  was  now  nearly  dark.  There  had  been  a  drizzling 
rain  for  some  time,  and  I  began  to  feel  that  I  was  tired 
and  uncomfortable.  I  knew  not  where  I  was,  for  I  had 
taken  a  tortuous  course  through  streets  I  had  seldom  or 
never  before  travelled.  I  now  instinctively  slackened 
my  pace,  and  turning  slowly  down  another  street  I  came 
to  a  halt,  and  leaned  against  a  stone  post  in  front  of 
what  appeared  to  be  a  large  rum  shop  or  gin  palace. 
Previously  to  this  I  might  a  few  times  have  tasted  wine, 
or  weak  punch,  for  at  that  time  no  such  thing  as  a  tem- 
perance society  had,  I  believe,  ever  been  heard  of;  but 
now,  when  I  saw  men  and  women  in  the  brilliantly- 
lighted  tap-room  drink  glass  after  glass,  when  I  heard 
songs  and  laughter  within,  I  felt  an  almost  irresistible 
desire  for  strong  liquor.  It  was,  I  thought,  just  the 
thing  for  me  at  the  moment — the  stronger  and  more 
stupifying  the  better. 

In  I  went  at  once,  and  without  knowing  whether  I 
had  a  single  penny  in  my  possession,  I  boldly  asked  for 
gin.  I  had  made  up  my  mind  to  have  it,  were  I  even 
obliged  to  leave  some  article  of  my  apparel  in  pledge  for 
payment,  for  I  had  heard  of  this  having  been  often  done 
by  others.  I  was  however  relieved  from  such  a  necessi- 
ty, for  on  searching  my  pockets  I  found  a  silver  pencil- 
case  given  me  by  my  mother,  and  two  shillings  in  small 
change,  a  balance  which  remained  after  having  pur- 
chased that  very  day  a  new  edition  of  "  Baxter's  Saints' 
Everlasting  Rest,"  a  book  which  she  waa  exceedingly  ~ 
fond  of  reading. 


,.4 


j^      ■  KEMINISCENCES 

1  drank  the  liquor  eagerly,  and  then  sat  ^^^  ^^^^ 
n^nlents  looking  at  .hose  around  -«  who  were  fr^y 
i„lu,„in.r  in  the   same  kind  of  beverage      Ihercwerc 
no  tjresiH-etal.le-looking  persons  in  the  p  aee.     A 
Tw     oun„  iomon  eould  be  seen  here  and  there  in 
a  vdvress,  but  mostly  all  were  of  the  labormg  cla 
raUer  sottish  in  appearance,  and  spending  lavishly  the 
money  so  oUsomel'  earned.    Some  had  their  wives  and 
ctrfheii  children  present,  and  I  could  see  that  a  few 
of  the  ewe  re  at  times  indulg..!  with  more  th=u?  o"«  «'P 
of  ll^^ff  strong  and  tiery  enough  to  seald  their  tender 
skin     It  was  evident,  however,  that  this  was  not  the 
flrsUime  that  these  little  ones  had  been  quieted  by  sueh 
!nresc  iV^  it  soon  had  its  pacifying  effect,  and  I 

SlfTclid  anymore  tl- was  required  it -^^^^^^^^^^ 
haps  to  make  them  eager  for  another  taste  o   ^^^^^^^^ 
in.,  fluid  and,  worse  than  that,  it  struck  me  that  nearly 
a"f  present!  male  and  female,  young  and  old,  were  more 
or  less  intoxicated. 

Afcwhou.,.  previously  I  .houUl  li»vo  bconBhocM 
,owiVn«  °ucl.a8com.,but  now  I  »».  almo»t  ...Oilor- 
a,      I  toa"n.crc,l  Ihc  pl«o  for  a  .pccial  l.uri.»o  l« 

rj;  rz::"  1 ;.."«"  wH.o...a«  n,a„ 

blwwvardsmctrom  aa  opposite  corner,  and  mU. 

^t"°ard  mile  and  besollc.l  look  look  a  place  near  mc 

lurpjtanceat  ,.,e  ,no„.en.  «»»  "»«  very  aye  abl 

:ide;ays  over  his  shoulder  with  a  lingering  expression, 


evr 

hou 

i< 

the 

do,' 
you 
few 
H 
trea 
anx 
tod 
and 
fort! 

u 

"It 

it. 

side 

have 

hini- 

inak( 

"I 

lookl 
the  8 
of  a  J 
"C 
earel( 
to  wr 
plied, 
see. 
that  1 

u  rp 

the  m 
lost  h 
yours 
believ 


„.«*«»'SW»l«!»"~- 


^^^^aati'tP^'f*^ 


^mm 


OF   A   PREACHEB. 


u 


1  sat  for  a  few 
tvho  wore  freely 
re.  There  were 
ti  the  plaee.  A 
■0  and  there  in 
ic  laVmrinfj  cliiss, 
linsj  lavishly  the 
I  their  wives  and 

I  see  that  a  few 
ore  than  one  sip 
3ald  their  tender 
Lhis  waa  not  the 

II  quieted  hy  such 
•ing  cfEcct,  andl 
nired,  it  was  per- 
iste  of  the  hlistcr- 
ik  me  that  nearly 
id  old,  were  more 

xvo  been  shocked 
^8  almost  indiffer- 
special  purpose  to 
possible,  as  drunk 
J.    I  was  about  to 
white-haired  man 
e  corner,  and  with 
k  a  place  near  me. 
lot  very  agreeable, 
ihim.    His  clothes 
face  wrinkled  and 
ot,  and,  aUogether, 
r  the  last  stage  of 
'stooped,  and  while 
seemed  to  be  pal- 
,k  he  looked  at  me 
ugering  expression, 


evidently  making  an  effort  at  the  same  time  to  Keep  his 
head  from  shaking  also. 

"  Come,  old  fellow,  leave  here,  cut  stick,"  said  one  of 
the  waiters  api)roa'jluiig  him. 

"  Ahl  do  permit  me  to  remain,  just  for  a  little,  please 
do,'  said  he.  "  This  young  man,  this  lad,  is  a  stran-er 
you  see  andl  have  a  few  words  to  say  to  him,  only  a 
few.    Please  do."  >      v  » 

He  spoke  with  a  husky  voice,  and  in  a  manner  so  en- 
treatmg,  that  I  someway  felt  pity  for  the  old  man,  and 
anxious  at  the  time  to  have  some  one  speak  to  me  so  as 
to  divert  my  thoughts,  I  told  the  person  to  let  him  stay, 
and  rightly  judging  that  he  would  drink  if  he  got  it  I 
forthwith  ordered  two  glasses  of  rum. 
''A  fine  lad,"  said  he,  with  the  same  wretched  smile. 
I  thought  you  would  be  generous,  you  looked  so  like 
It.    louseel  tremble  with  the  cold  "-and  he  cast  a 
side  glance  at  his  shaking  hand,  wishing  no  doubt  to 
have  me  think  that  it  was  the  cold  alone  which  affected 
inni-'  and  something  strong  is  just  what  I  want  to 
make  me  aU  right.    OhI  you're  a  line,  generous  lad." 

"  How  came  you  to  lose  your  little  finger?  "  I  asked 
ookingdown  at  his  left  hand,  which  was  pressing  on 
the  small  table  in  front  of  his.   There  was  also  the  mark 
ot  a  gash  on  the  back  of  the  same  hand. 

"Oh!  that? "said  he,  looking  at  his  hand  with  a 
careless  air.    He  first  drank  the  liquor,  and  while  tryin.^ 

rTuwn^''^'*^*^'^'^^'^^  ""^  ^i«  shaking  hand,  re". 
plied,'  WeU,  as  you're  kind  enough  to  inquire-let  me 
sec  It  must  be  a  matter  of  four  or  five  years  ago  since 
that  happened." 

"  The  reason  I  ask,"  I  continued, "  is  that  I  once  had 

he  misfortune  to  injure  a  person  by  accident,  and  he 

l(>«t  his  finger,  and  the  back  of  his  hand  was  also  cut  as 

yours  appears  to  have  been.    But  he's  dead  lon<r  ago  I 

believe."  o  "*»  »  * 


I 

II 

1     ! 


■I 


11 


H  heminiscknces 

«♦  This  was  a  kind  of  accident,  too,"  said  ho,  after  a 
few  momculs' pause.  "A  little  fellow  that  1  used  to 
think  a  great  deal  of,  suddenly  closed  a  door  on  my 
hand,  and  my  little  linger  got  so  crushed  that  it  had  to 
be  cut  off."  And  then  ho  said  reflectively,  "  I  wish  I 
had  died  before  it  got  well  again  1  " 

Ho  was  too  dull  or  too  absorbed  to  notice  my  move- 
ment of  surprise  "  Your  name  is  not  Mandrake,  is  it?  " 
I  asked  in  a  hesitating  manner.    "  It  cannot  possibly  bo 

that?"  ,        ,    ,  , 

"Ohl  how  do  you  know  my  name?"  ho  asked,  in  a 

kind  of  astonished  way,  his  head  now  shaking  worse 

than  before.    "  Did  you  know  Harry?  " 
"None  knew    him  better,"  I  replied.    "We  were 

school-fellows."    I  did  not  wish  to  admit  th";*  ^^f //^« 

person.    Ho  evidently  did  not  know  me,  and  I  felt  that 

I  must  have  grown  and  been  changed  in  appearance 

beyond  his  recognition. 
Ahl  "  said  he,  "  he  was  the  boy,  but  it  was  a  mere 

accident,  and  I  could  not  blame  him.    He  must  "have 

told  you  of  it?  " 

"Yes  he  did.  But  you  must  have  been  very  un- 
fortunate since  that  time.  Ho  said  that  you  had  been 
his  Sunday  school  teacher,  and  I  think  a  class  leader 
among  the  Methodists." 

He  now  seemed  a  little  ashamed,  and  his  eyes  were 
bent  to  the  floor.  "  I  was,  I  was,  but  don't  tell  mo  of 
that,"  said  he,  evidently  pained  by  his  reflections. 
"Like  others,  I  waa  too  confident,  and  I  f eU-you  see 

^  Almost  reckless  as  I  had  been  up  to  that  moment,  I 
felt  greatly  shocked  by  his  admission.  "You  must  have 
grown  old  before  your  time,"  said  I,  looking  at  his  face. 
"I  am  not  so  old  as  I  look,"  he  slowly  replied  " but 
my  misfortunes  and  what  I  have  suffered,  and  said 
he,  in  a  low, trembling  voice,  "some  pangs  of  con- 


8C 

m 


li 
fn 
Ii 
cai 
los 
an 

ma 

Pr( 

hai 

rot 

son 

low 

owi 

I 

"C 

knc 

alw 

you 

the 
hat( 
I 
of  a 
mor 

(( 

myi 
also 
care: 
shou 
fricG 


1^ 


said  he,  after  a 

that  1  u8od  to 

a  deor  on  my 

1  that  it  had  to 

ivcly,  "  I  wish  I 

lotice  my  movc- 
:andrakc,iait?" 
unot  possibly  be 

"  he  asked,  in  a 
V  shaking  worse 

ied.  "We  were 
lit  that  I  was  the 
le,  and  I  felt  that 
;ed  in  appearance 

)Ut  it  was  a  mere 
He  must  "have 

e  been  very  un- 
at  you  had  been 
ak  a  class  leader 

md  his  eyes  were 

don't  tell  mo  of 

y  his   reflections. 

ndl  fell— you  see 

to  that  moment,  I 
"  You  must  have 
ooking  at  his  face, 
owly  replied, "  but 
ifEered,  and,"  said 
ime  pangs  of  con- 


OF  A  PKEACIIEn.  jy 

science  that  still  remain  would  be  enough  to  make  any 
man  01.1  and  witheved-looki..g  and  wretched."  ^ 

^^  Have  you  no  means  of  living?  "  I  inquired. 

from  the  table ^^  that  I  ^ul'd  r^l  to^'g^lS'^  dlT 
I  might  even  do  worse   to  satisfy  my  craving.    I  am  a 
cast-away  _one  fallen  from  grace.iLostI  o1  ,  GodT-! 
los  1  "    Here,  completely  overcome,  tears  filled  his  eve« 
and  he  held  down  his  hea,l  and  wept  ^    ' 

While  looking  that  moment  at  the  old  man,  so  pre- 
maturely  aged,  so  sud  and  so  forlorn,  had  a  .^ereif^ 
I^-ov.do„ce  sent  me  then  one  good  Idviser,  Tsl  ould 
have  taken  any  outstretched  hand  and  perhaps  have 
returned  o  ask  pardon  of  my  weeping  motLr.    But  for 

me 'udden  reason  this  was  not  to\e,  and  what  fol 
lowed  only  made  me  more  determined  to  pursue  my 

Tfrfofl""""r""r'^^'^"^^^«  •'  to'perdUioT 
I  felt  for  him  and  said  a  few  compassionate  words. 
'Cannot  you  return?"  I  asked.  "Those  who  once 
knew  you  in  better  days  might  help.  I  know  that  HarS 
always  respected  you  and  would  be  sorry  to  see  you  2 
you  now  are."  "^  ^      "* 

thl'Plu^''''''''*/^'    ^^^°^«  •**»*  know  how  I  betrayed 
hate  me!'!*''  '  '^^'^^  '°  "''  ^  ^'  ^^^  ^'  "^S^' 

I  was  almost  startled,  for  I  had  never  untU  this  heard 
of  any  such  thmg,  and  of  course  was  eager  to  know 
more  of  the  matter.  -"  «.uow 

"Indeed I  " 

"  Yes  I  can  tell  you.  I  feel  that  it  would  now  relieve 
mymmdto  tell  somebody.  I  knew  his  father,  and  I 
a  so  knew  that  he  had  saved  a  little  money,  sufficient  if 
carefully  managed  to  keep  his  son  and  wife  from  want 
should  he  be  taken  from  them.  I  was  supposed  to  be  a 
tricnd,-oae  of  the  most  intimate;  a  member  of  the 


Hip 

!i 


IlKMINiaCKNCKH 

Bamc  Society,  un.l,  a«  you  «ai.l,  the  leader  of  a  <  ln8«-.tho 
r  to  which  tlu-y..elo.„ea.     Well,  after  nhe  wa«  K^tt 
wi U  w,  I  chancel  to  be  in  great  ueeeSHity  for  a  Hm.l 
^^.l«he  willingly  ohli^ed  n..     ^ -^^^^ 
another,  until,  time  after  time,  by  «l.eeiou«  promi^^ts 
rt;;ngth;utn.o.t  conlhlence  in  -.«:!: 
loi  within  a  few  pounds  all  the  money  nhe  had.    bcun„ 
fbltlw     on  tlK  brink  of  ruin,  an^^  anxious  to  get  the 

Tea  wt"ar;d  that  as  my  regard  for  her  had  so 
Lre-eM-uhUl-wit  in  no  more  sincere  manner 
than  to  offer  her  marriage,'  order  to 

Here  I  almost  started  from  my  seat,  but  in  order  to 
hear  him  out  Inunaged  to  nmmin  quiet  — 

u  Mv  real  object,"  contumed  he,  being  ly  ims 
mea^s  to  ge  the  little  she  had  left.  She  refused  me  at 
means  to  gc  I  ^^^^^  her  deterrama- 

r°'  nd  whenlinfomed  her  sometime  afterwards 
S'l  had  bulitUe  hopes  of  ever  being  able  to  repay 
tr    he  poor  woman  wivs  in  great  distress  on  account  of 
lu 'loss  of  her  little  fund,-iUstre88  more  m  relation  to 
^  tte  OHS  it  would  be  to  her  son,  on  whom  her  heart  wa. 
Se     than  to  herself,  and  when  she  <^<^^^^^^ 
character,  the  only  favor  .he  asked  was  that  a     know 
.     k^?.e  of  the  matter  should  be  kept  from  Harry. 
-         Ilavin-  already  felt  the  effects  of  the  strong  liquor,  I 
became  more  easily  excited.    -  You  have  informed  hm 
yourself    you  old  wretch  1"  cried  I,  seizing  him  sud- 
renyiythecollarand  casting  him  from  me.    He     U 
Jeavu/on  the  matted  floor.    I  could  have  cursed  hun 
a^d  struck  him  and  kicked  him  at  the  •— ^  ^f  l^;^^ 
really  ashamed  to  strike  one  so  old  and  feeble,  l  spav 


J 
r 
1: 

r 

<< 

P 

0 

d 

01 

I] 
A 

th 
h( 

CO 

th 

an 

th 

wl 

wl 

an 

pl( 

tai 

tin 

fee 

] 

Jig] 

tur 

anc 

pufi 

I  I 


'■mm 


<,^^iU»KtiE«a«»*-«*»*~' 


OF  A  PHEACIIKR. 


10 


rof  adass— tho 
!r  hUc  wa»  li'tt  w 
saity  for  u  »miill 
4u)mu(iucntly  got 
jcious  promises, 
110, 1  mivuaged  to 
hIu',  had.    Seeing 
ixious  to  get  the 
lat  even  the  last 
;  that  whicli  was 
ir  face,  and  told 
I  was  within  ray 
gratitude  for  hor 
d  for  her  had  bo 
■0  sincere  manner 

t,hut  in  order  to 

let, 

,  "being  by  this 
She  refused  mo  at 
tor  her  determina- 
nctimo  afterwards 
nug  able  to  repay 
tress  on  account  of 
more  in  relation  to 
aom  her  heart  was 
discovered  my  real 
iras  that  all  know- 
•om  Ilarry." 
the  strong  liquor,  I 
have  informed  him 
I,  seizing  him  sud- 
1  from  me.    He  fell 
dd  have  cursed  him 
e  moment,  but  being 
1  and  feeble,  I  spat 


upon  him  where  ho  lay.    I  then  hurriedly  loft  the  place 
hu  Jgnant ...    1.  K„.v.y  and  pn.un.p.ion,  and  i::.!!  S 
withabUt.Tle.hng  that  nly  mother  should  have  been 
so  deceived  und  innulted.  " 

The  night  air  had  but  little  effect  on  my  licaled  brain 
Things  seemed  to  wlurl  arou.ul  mo,  an.l  for  some  mo- 
ments my  thoughts  were  .p.lte  confused.     I  ^.l 2 
Hjjan  to  think,  and  the  prominent  aggravat.n  '  i £ 
returned.  havi„.  lost  none  of  its  exasperating  "ro^or 

1  "Vr:  '  ^'/'  ^  '"""'"•«•''  ^'^  I  ^valked  on  at  a  .miek 
pace,  "but  she  ha^i't  mended  .natters  by  marryin-'that 
other  pious  swhullor,  Shaw.  It  is  scandalous^  Ho  no 
doubt  thought  she  l>ad  a  little  money,  and,  like  tlmt 
SeMinnn  "^^  scoundrel,  wanted  to  get  hold  of  it 
nellfindlus  mistake,  but  that's  poor  comfort  now 
Any  way  I'm  off,  and  I  shall  never  trouble  them  '' 

In  a  kind  of  half-crazed  mood  I  liastened  onward,  and 
then  I  remember  c.mie  harassing  doubts-tloubts  of  tho 
honesty  of  many  lea.ling  professors  of  religionydoub  a 
concermngrelgion  Itself,  an.1  then  doubts,\lasI  abou 
the  actual  existence  of  an  Almighty  Being.    OhI  many 
an  hour  have  I  since  thought  what  stumbHn.  b  ockTarJ 
«.rownin  the  way  of  the  young  and  inexperTenced 
wha  reproach  has  been  brought  on  Christ  anity,  and 
what  numerous  shipwrecks  of  faith  there  have  been 
and  fear  still  must  be,  in  consequence  of  the  IZ  exam! 
pie  shown  by  backsliding  professors,  and  even  bTcot  , 
tarn  preachers  of  the  Word  itself  I    My  doubts  at  tho 
mo  made  me  so  desperate,  that  I  was,  in  a  way,  per- 
feetly  careless  of  what  might  next  happen  to  me 

It  was  now  dark,  but  I  went  through  the  dimly- 
hghted  streets  without  any  definite  purpote.  I  hadTust 
turned  another  corner  when  right  in  front  of  me  was 
another  gm  shop.  I  saw  a  crowd  outside  the  door  but 
pushing  my  way  through,  I  got  into  the  tap-roo™,' and  / 
1  had  but  just  seated  myself  when  a  half-drukea 


^•«*i««SM|g««»t.vr,:fy*.ja*<„i^. 


II 


!!ll!lt 


\L 


J.-..,-.- 


(0  KKMINIHCENCES 

rocnillinp;  BorRcnnt,  or  one  ftppnronlly  ho,  tapped  mo  on 
the  nhoiildcr.  IIo  ami  a  f<w  ollur  soldU-iH  li.ul  lust'ii 
there  for  Honic  tiini!  in  order  to  try  iiml  get  reeruitf*,  and 
thlH  wnH  perhaps  the  reanon  why  so  many  persons  had 
coHeeted  outside  the  door,  looking  with  curious  eyes  at 
the  proceedings. 

*'  Here's  another  lino  young  fellow,"  said  tho  ncrgcant 
approaching  me  and  laying  his  hand  upon  my  shouhkr. 
"  WLat  say  you,  my  gallant  lad?  Tho  King  wants  men, 
tall,  lusty  cdiaps  like  you,  to  drive  '  Ilony '  back  to  Elba 
or  to  tho  devil!  Only  say  that  you'll  servo  his  Majesty, 
and  you  can  have  his  bounty,  besides  your  choice  of 
artillery,  cavalry,  or  grenadier.  Hero,  strike  up,  boys," 
turning  to  a  lifer  and  to  a  little  dnimmer  at  his  side, 
and  In  a  moment  or  two  we  were  almost  deafened  in 
tho  coullned  room  by  tho  shrill  life  and  tho  rattling 
drum  giving  us  tho  tune  of  the  "  JJrltlsh  Grenadiers," 
tho  sergeant  moanwhilo  beating  time  on  a  table  with  his 

cane.  .      •    1 

«'  That  will  do,  that  will  do,"  said  he,  when  they  had 
merely  played  the  tlrst  part  of  tho  tune. 

The  crowd  outside  now  pressed  closer  around  tho 
door,  and  two  or  thrco  more  young  men  entered. 

"Come,  landlord,"  called  tho  sergeant,  "let's  have 
another  treat,  and  while  you  are  drawing  tho  best  stuff 
you  can  give  us,  I  want  any  young  spirited  follow  pres- 
ent willing  to  servo  his  Majesty  to  stop  right  up  horo 
and  drink  his  health." 

The  liquor  was  soon  placed  on  the  table,  and  without 
anv  hesitation  I  took  a  glass  and  swallowed  it  to  tho 
health  of  -His  Most  Gracious  Majesty,  King  George 
the  Third.    Hip,  hip,  hurrah!  " 

The  little  drummer  gave  an  accompanying  roll,  and 
when  this  was  done  I  felt  myself  stUl  more  excited,  and 
almost  a  soldier  already.  This  was  the  kind  of  sccno 
that  just  suited  mo  at  tho  moment.  I  foUowed  the  exam- 


I'l' 
II 
III 
wl 
II 
th( 

n  V 


V 
thai 
crul 
wer 
cont 
sevc 
stati 
wen 

gOO( 

pate 
had 
with 
were 
a  sol 
Iisto( 
disa{ 
as  to 
Ar 
the  g 
who 


*"^*^M9l 


-  S^^^CwHttfdJ 


(o,  tnppod  mo  on 
oldU-i'H  li;i(l  bt'ell 
get  rocruitf*,  ami 
mny  pcrMotw  luwl 
ii  curious  (!}t)8  at 

said  tlio  Borgcant 
pon  my  shouhlur. 
King  wants  men, 
jy '  hack  to  Elba 
crvc  his  Majesty, 
8  your  choice  of 

strike  up,  boys," 
mmer  at  his  side, 
iiost  deafened  in 

and  the  rattling 
itlsh  Grenadiers," 
n  a  table  with  hia 

le,  when  they  had 

:lo8or  around  the 
in  entered. 
;eant,  "let's  have 
Ing  the  best  stuff 
lirited  fellow  prcs- 
itop  right  up  here 

table,  and  without 
wallowed  it  to  the 
esty,  ICing  Ocorgo 

npanylng  roll,  and 
more  excited,  and 
the  kind  of  sccno 
followed  the  exam- 


OF   A   I'ltKACTIEK.  A 

plo  of  a  dozen  others  who  \m\  Just  taken  the  shilling. 

I  ba.1  a.-  „a  ly  c,.llstc.,l  and  b.. a  r.-.Tuil,  and  by  (ho 

n me  wo  hud  anotlur  rou..d  of  ILjuor  fr.Mn  the  m-rjoant. 
whoiu  I  now  proudly  looked  upon  „h  the  dearest  friend 
I  had  on  earth,!  was  sutliciently  stimulated  to  join  in 
tlio  ftst  uproarious  toast  given  by  the  serjeant- 

Boys,  here's  to  the  fortune  of  war-n  gold  chain  or 
a  wooden  legl-IIip,  hip,  hip,  hurrah,  hun^h,  hurrahp' 


CHAPTER    IV, 
QUATltE  BUA8. 

We  were  marched  off  together  and  found  quarters 
that  nigh  in  a  barrack.  Next  morning  the  o?her  r" 
cruu,  an.  „,y«elf  were  sent  off  to  Chalhara,  where  we 
were  put  u.  uniform  ami  kept  for  aI,out  three  weeks  al 
constant  har.1  drill.    There  were  a  great  many  of  us 

irZL'^Mo'tTr' '''''''''  ^™"»  other  re'c^iting 
stations.  Most  of  the  young  fellows  who  had  enlisted 
were  apparently  a  reckless  set,  ready  for  any  enterprise 

SIdT  "'.  """"^  •*"'  evidently  lived  useless,  S-' 
ated  hves,  having  spent  the  last  penny  of  which  they 
had  been  possessed.  Others  who  had  been  struggling 
with  numerous  difficulties  had  at  last  given  up  as  i? 
were  m  despair,  and  accepted  the  only  available  re'fuge 
a  soldier's  life;  whUe  many  more,  like  myself,  had  en 
hated  under  the  influence  of  anger   or  eLtenZf  «, 

disappointment  of  some  kind,  and'an^tlmed^^^^^^^ 
as  to  .what  was  likely  to  follow  in  the  future. 

Among  the  many  so  strangely  thrown  together,  I  had 
0.e  gratification  of  falling  in  with  an  old  school- ello^ 
who  was  a  few  years  my  senior,  and,  situated  m  we 


"I 


Illf; 


eBWK«esswosp^-"«wv'«riJiw-  i^yvr  trjsr  ¥<■■"  *niw  j»wimi 


!  I 


I 


22  KEM1NI8CENCK8 

were,  the  pleasure  of  our  chance  meeting  was  mutusil. 
I  had  not  seen  him  for  a  long  time,  and  of  coiu'sc  wo 
little  expected  tv>  come  across  each  other  under  such 
circumstances.  I  must  say  that  when  I  tried  to  give 
some  reason  for  my  enlistment,  I  felt  rather  ashamed 
and  embarrassed  and  gave  anything  but  the  true  cause 
for  my  leaving  home  as  I  had.  Bruce  Monroe,  for  that 
was  his  name,  was  more  candid  with  me,  and  what  he 
said  gave  me  the  highest  opinion  of  his  diaintercsted- 
ness  and  kindness  of  heart,  and  besides  this  there  was 
a  touch  of  romance  connected  with  his  little  history. 

His  father,  he  said,  had  been  for  some  months  in  very 
poor  health,  rendering  him  unable  to  follow  his  ordinary 
avocation.  His  mother  had  had  not  only  to  attend  her 
sick  husband,  but  also  to  wait  upon  her  daughter,  who 
was  afflicted  with  that  almost  fatal  disease,  consumption, 
and  who  was  not  expected  to  survive  much  longer. 
There  was  another  child,  the  youngest,  a  boy  of  about 
thirteen,  who  had  to  remain  constantly  at  home  to  assist 
his  mother  in  her  onerous  duties.  In  connection  with 
this,  Bruce  had  been  for  some  time  partly  out  of  em- 
ployment. He  was  a  printer  by  trade.  He  had  borne 
an  excellent  character  for  honesty  and  industry,  but  the 
times  were  so  hard,  at  least  in  his  line  of  business,  that 
the  little  he  could  make  by  an  occasional  day's  work  in 
some  office  was  quite  insufficient  to  meet  not  only  his 
own  requirements,  but  the  greater  demands  of  those 
who  were  so  dear  to  him  at  home. 

A  year  or  so  before  this,  when  things  seemed  prosper- 
ous, he  had  become  engaged  to  an  excellent  young 
woman.  The  attachment  was  mutual,  and  they  were  to 
have  been  married  Lad  matters  been  more  favorable. 
But  when  trouble  came,  when  difficulties  only  increased, 
when  he  found  himself  unable  to  assist  his  mother  and 
those  naturally  depending  on  him,  he  resolved  to  accept 
the  only  chance  he  had  to  better  his  condition  and  be  of 


3K8 

c  meeting  wis  mutusil. 
time,  and  of  course  wo 

cacli  other  untlcr  Huch 
,t  when  I  tried  to  give 
,  I  felt  rather  ashamed 
ling  but  tlie  true  cause 
Bruce  Monroe,  for  that 
with  me,  and  what  he 
,n  of  his  diainterested- 

besides  tliis  there  was 
rith  his  little  history, 
for  some  months  in  very 
ble  to  follow  his  ordinary 
d  not  only  to  attend  her 
apon  her  daughter,  who 
tal  disease,  consumption, 

0  survive  much  longer, 
youngest,  a  boy  of  about 
nstantly  at  home  to  assist 
ies.  In  connection  with 
le  time  partly  out  of  em- 

by  trade.  He  had  borne 
esty  and  industry,  but  the 
his  line  of  business,  that 

occasional  day's  work  in 
■nt  to  meet  not  only  his 
greater  demands  of  those 

»me. 

len  things  seemed  prosper- 
■d  to  an  excellent  young 
8  mutual,  and  they  were  to 
;crs  been  more  favorable. 

1  difficulties  only  increased, 
e  to  assist  his  mother  and 
him,  he  resolved  to  accept 

tter  his  condition  and  be  of 


OF  A  PREACHEK. 


98 


service  to  his  suflferlng  relatives.  Discouraged  as  he 
had  hitlicrto  been,  he  saw  no  ollior  way  to  hulp  them 
but  to  enlist  and  accept  the  bounty  wllich  was  offered 
tor  recruits  at  that  pressing  period. 

Poor  Bruce  was  very  reluctant  to  take  this  step     He 
was,greatly  grieved  that  he  should  have  to  do  anything 
which  would  oblige  him  to  leave  home  and  part  from 
the  girl  to  whom  he  had  pledged  his  faith,  but  the 
necessity  was  urgent,  and  though  he  disliked  a  soldier's 
hfe,  he  sacrificed  his  own  feelings  for  the  good  of  others, 
111  the  hope  that  it  would  not  be  long  until  ho  should  be 
able  to  return  and  have  an  opportunity  of  doing  sorac- 
hing  better  for  them.    Upon  receipt  of  the  government 
bounty,  or  what  was  left  of  it  after  certain  extortionate 
fees,  deductions,  and   absurd  charges  had  been  taken 
therefrom,  he  had  a  sum  of  nearly  three  pounds,  which 
he  immediately  enclosed  to  his  mother.    He  could  not 
bear  to  call  and  take  leave  of  her  or  of  any  one  else,  but 
he  forwarded  a  kind  and  affecting  letter  giving  the  rea- 
sons for  his  departure.    I  would  cheerfully  have  "iven 
him  the  most  part,  or   oven   the  whole  of  the  bountv 
which  I  had  received,  but  he  would  not  hear  of  anv 
such  proposal.    I  made  the  money  useful,  however,  ij 
another   way.    By  means  of  a  donation  to  our  driU 
sergeant,  we  got  him  to  put  us  in  the  same  foot  re<ri- 
ment,  which  was  then  at  the  seat  of  war,  and  in  the 
same  company;  and  a  small  amount  was  expended  to 
procure  some  little  necessaries  beyond  those  to  which 
common  soldiers  were  entitled. 

The  startling  news  of  the  escape  of  Napoleon  from 
Elba  awoke  most  of  the  great  powers  of  Europe  to  a 
sense  of  danger.  He  who  was  thought  to  have  been 
completely  subdued  was  abroad  again,  havin-  been 
escorted  from  Cannes  to  Paris  by  an  increasing  number 
ot  enthusiastic  and  devoted  adherents.  A  treaty  was  ' 
therefore  at  once  entered  into  by  Great  Britain,  Prussia 


;  I 


.*,  - »- 


ii'TwCT'^iWfcWMMitiJiif  -ffftO*-;  T- 


,_J.,.„-,..„ 


SI  REMINISCENCES 

and  Austria,  and  other  States  wcro  invited  to  join  in 
order  to  ovcrwliclm  entirely  the  imibilious  "  disturber 
of  nations  ";  and  the  sound  of  warlike  preparations  was 
heard  far  and  near.  Many  an  unwilling  man  was  forced 
to  leave  his  field,  his  forge,  his  fireside,  and  his  family, 
so  that  the  fearful  butchery  of  war  might  again  be  recom- 
menced. Napoleon,  who  evidently  cared  but  little  for 
human  life,  was  again  most  active.  His  energetic  ap- 
peals were  heard,  and  while  thousands  flocked  to  his 
banners,  thousands  more  were  obliged  to  leave  the 
occupations  of  peaceful  industry  to  satisfy  the  insatiable 
cravings  of  one  who  was  but  little  influenced  by  regard 
for  the  terrible  misery  he  might  bring  upon  others. 

In  a  short  time,  by  the  most  incredible  efforts,  Napo- 
leon was  again  at  the  head  of  an  army  of  130,000  men,  the 
finest  in  the  French  service,  which  included  25,000  cav- 
alry, said  to  be  then  the  best  in  the  worid,  and  300  pieces 
of  artillery.  Well  might  the  wearied  and  war-worn 
nations  of  Europe  tremble  at  such  preparations.  But 
the  necessity  was  urgent.  The  man  who  was  reckless 
as  to  the  number  of  slaughtered,  so  long  as  his  suprem- 
acy and  dictatorship  was  established,  must  be  considered 
dangerous  to  civilization  and  human  society,  and  must 
be  overcome  and  forever  kept  under  control. 

The  enlistments  throughout  the  United  Kingdom 
were  therefore  numerous.  In  every  town  the  recruit- 
ing sergeant  and  his  assistants  marched  about  with  fife 
and  drum,  collecting  young  men  for  the  army,  and 
detachments  were  almost  every  day  sent  off  to  add  to 
the  number  of  troops  already  in  the  field. 

It  was  a  cloudy,  disagreeable  evening  on  the  15th  of 
June,  1815,  that  we  joined  our  regiment  in  Belgium. 
It  was  plain  from  what  we  could  hear  and  see  that  we 
should  soon  have  to  face  the  enemy,  one  rather  to  be 
feared  than  despised,  and  to  have  our  skill  and  courage 
tested  on  the  battle  field.    I  tried  to  keep  from  thinking 


aS»'«i».»»o*"»»'*'*'*«»'****»**'*"*'*"'*'" 


oft: 

froii 

aboi 

drati 

thefi 

El 

shou 

milef 

posit 

ber  n 

bled, 

callei 

angei 

vast  i 

in  fro 

displa 

and  c( 

some : 

take  tl 

gave 

comm( 

Belgia 

increas 

Soon 

almost 

could  1 

to  and 

others 

kind  of 

man  ri« 

dead,  tl 

blood  r 

fellow  li 

life  hav 

great  co 

again  I 

•A  reai 


J ,-:.. 


lited  to  join  in 
0U8  "  disturber 
)rcparations  was 
man  was  forced 
and  liis  family, 
,  again  be  recom- 
Bd  but  little  for 
lis  energetic  ap- 
9  flocked  to  his 
id  to  leave  the 
fy  the  insatiable 
lenced  by  regard 
pon  others, 
le  efforts,  Napo- 
130,000  men,  the 
uded  25,000  cav- 
d,  and  300  pieces 
I  and  war-worn 
3paration8.  But 
ho  was  reckless 
g  as  his  suprem- 
ist  be  considered 
ocicty,  and  must 
tttrol. 

Jnitod  Kingdom 
iwn  the  recruit- 
l  about  with  fife 
■  the  army,  and 
it  ott  to  add  to 
Id. 

;  on  the  15th  of 
ent  in  Belgium, 
and  see  that  we 
one  rather  to  be 
kill  and  courage 
cp  from  thinking 


OF   A  PHEACIIER.  g| 

position  ,„  „  woo„  calW  Boi.TB„t.'.  1  ^tlZZ' 

display  as  I  b.rl  nf!      k      ^®  rather  pleased  at  the 
uiopiay,  as  I  Had  often  been  at  a  revipw  whnr.  o  i 

and  could  have  fraternized  with  them  reJlv  and  ^S 

commeuced  to  fire  on  us  anrl  T  ^^  . ,  ^^^^ 

I3elgian  allies  drop  'Cthefr  ranks  and  aTXl  ^""^ 
increased  they  fell  veiy  fast.  '  '  **""  ^""^ 

Soon  afterwards,  the    thunder   of   nrtiii^^,  u 

agam_I  took  aim  as  well  as  I  could  through  the  smoke, 
•  A  real  incident. 


II>WW»IMH»H"K»"*'"' 


2(j  BEMINlflCENCES 

stepping  upon  the  '^;^'^'  "    f;^'''^,,^  and  there  as  wc 
Bome  nrostratc  wounded  soWicr.     ii^i^  »"«  i„4t„-i 

«rour  ?eet  down  they  would  sink  into  pools  of  clotted 
set  our  leti  uu«         j  several  of  the  men  had 

my  first  battle,  and  though  it  is  said  ^^^^  f  ^'^^  ^^ 

L"n,td1olce  tho  *lcS»S  -«■'"  i"  »»  carnage  and 

'7.?.^*:°":.  over  .0,  thettae.    The  French 

.     unde    Shal  Ney  h»,l  -«•"»"■ -"!,'?:„2 

rnemy.    Ourloss  at  Quatro  Bras  was  over  f.OOO  ™^' 
of  the  battle  almost  alone. 


WJici 

W'cro  (li 

lino  of  i 

retrogrc 

some  te 

day  thrc 

and  aboi 

June,  wi 

the  field 

the  furl 

Situated 

the  weatl 

could  to  I 

the  wet 

fatigued, 

the  thous 

many  for 

to  be  one 


I  must  h 

lying  by  t 

sad  night,  ] 

and  I  aske 

sitting  up,  J 

bent  down  i 

"  I  can't  I 

thinking  of 

pression  tha 

The  poor 

the  greatest 


Lhan  a  ravage, 
il  excitement, 
ig  and  rctrcat- 
ihy,  and  then 
slacktined  and 
I  of  smoke  had 
Men,  horses, 
I,  and  pistols; 
)ver  the  grovind 
noved  awoy,  it 
wc  could  avoid 
'i-csh  torture  to 
ind  there  as  wc 
pools  of  clotted 
of  the  men  had 
;d  and  spattered 
ices  and   hands 
;  witnessed  after 
that  soldiers  be- 
avoc,  I  must  say 
)lled  me  during 
ings  were  dread- 
unded  and  dying 
the  carnage  and 

ne.    The  French 
nd  we  were  left 
a  cost!     Though 
d  more  than  the 
over  5,000  men, 
more  than  4,000. 
d  a  splendid  force 
t  might  be  said, 
ere  placed  under 
y  from  us  without 
stand  the  brunt 


OP  A  PHEACIIKB.  M 

^vrr:^j:s'st;^ -- that  ^^^  r-- 

-trograde  .novem  Uw^^^ov  ron'f  '''!"""'  '"^^'^ 
Bome  ton  miles  nearer  to  Te  Ca,l,  ?!  '  '""T'''' 
day  through  licavv  r-iin  wol      *^^1''^/^'-    ^'>e  marcli  that 

and  about^thr  o7c  ock  on  he'^f  '''"'^  ""'^  ^^"'"^"S' 
June,  we  were  JJi^^  afternoon  of  the  17th  of 

the  fl'eldXe  t  Ih XVhXL'^^^'S  '^  ^  '^''  ^ 
the  further  procuress  of  V     /"'"''^  *«  «°ntcst 

Situated  as  wr;e:;„lx^red7o  T-']  ''''''''''■ 
the  weather,  we  had  to  make  the  be«t  ''''^'"'''''y  «f 
could  to  get  refreshmenTaL  ^ost  \riT,T?  ^^ 
the  wet   ground    that  ni.rJ.f  \7  ^'^'^  *"  ''°  o^ 

the  thousands  around  ZZT       '  ^^^'^^^  ™ost  of 

many  for  the  I^st  Une'l  aTn"  '  '"""*'  ^l^^ej^-alasl  how 
to  he  one  whicfw^C J^wS,'^^^  ^^^^^^  ^'"^ 


CHAPTER   V. 
WATEItLOO. 

..4™'  ™T.Mr  irr  eT- ''™™ '-'  •>- 

»ad  night,  I  „„  „ZZ  r.  kW  o/T',  V  ""»  ""» 


4^ 


28 


REMINISCENCES 


.•Nonsense,  BniccI"  said  I,  "these  impressions  are 
nothing.  Wo  have  as  good  a  clianco  as  others.  Wo 
shall  not  be  killed,  at  worst  we  may  get  a  wound  or  two. 
Try  and  rest,  man,  try  and  rest,  there  may  be  no  battle 

to-morrow."  .      ,         •  n ,  _4. 

"  'Tis  to-morrow  now,"  said  ho,  pointing  languidly  at 

the  faint  dawn  towards  the  cast.    "This  is  to  be  my 

last  day,  Ilai-ry,  and  when  I  rest  agam  itwiU  be  for- 

The  solemn  manner  in  which  he  spoke  set  me  think- 
ins  1  fancied  that  I  could  see  my  mother  looking  at 
mo  with  sorrowful  face,  and  when  I  remembered  my 
treatment  of  her,  my  eyes  too  filled  with  tears,  and  I 
would  have  given  the  world  to  undo  what  I  had  done, 
and  clasp  her  once  more  to  my  heart. 

Half  an  hour  longer  passed  in  silence.    How  solemn 
the  black  clouds  looked  overhead,  and  the  wind  came 
with  a  melancholy  foreboding  sound,  as  if  to  warn  many 
a  prostrate  sleeper  of  his  coming  dooml     The  dreary 
day  was  making  its  appearance  when  Bruce  spoke  again. 
'«  Harry,"  said  he,  pulling  out  a  small  silver  watch- 
one  of  the  kind  called  a  "bull's  eye  "-"if  I  should 
not  live  long  enough  to  see  another  dawn,  I  want  you 
to  give  thisl  my  mother,  'tis  all  I  have  left  to  offer 
her:  and  sec,  I've  put  a  lock  of  my  hair  in  here  for  her 
also,"  (he  opened  the  watch-case  to  let  me  see  where 
it  wks  placed,)  "  and  I  want  you  to  get  any  back  pay  that 
may  be  due  me  and  send  it  to  her,  she  will  require  it. 

I  assured  him  that  I  would  do  anything  he  wished, 
but  I  said  that  I  thought  these  bequests  would  be  un- 

necessary.  .      ,  _^ 

»  Well,  never  mind,"  he  replied,  "  a  few  hours  more 
wiU  tell  the  story.  Besides,  I  wish  you  to  deliver  this 
to  /ler,"  he  whispered  the  name  of  the  young  woman  to 
whomhe  was  engaged,  "and  tell  her  she  was  m  my 
last  thoughts  and  that  I  prayed  for  her  happiness."   He 


took  { 

it  in  a 

I  rei 

then  fl 

was  sii 

to  sue! 

he  to  p 

fears  a 

"No 

"  You 

Tell  Ih 

end." 

I  mat 

notions 

ourselv 

Ilain 

lightnin 

iag  as  iJ 

to  give  1 

him  for 

Hut  grei 

gloomy 

lossly  o^ 

warriors 

pass  awj 

lightnin; 

of  more 

wound, 1 

bringing 

There  th 

forces  of 

ceive  the 

tion;  ani 

darkened 

Demon  c 

impatieni 

to  annoui 


nprcssions  are 
i  others.  Wo 
wound  or  two. 
ly  be  no  battle 

ig  languidly  at 
18  18  to  be  my 
it  will  be  tor- 
set  mo  think- 
)ther  looking  at 
jraembered  my 
ith  tears,  and  I 
lat  I  had  done, 

i.    How  solemn 
the  wind  came 
if  to  warn  many 
ml     The  dreary 
uce  spoke  again. 
11  silver  watch— 
'— "  if  I  should 
awn,  I  want  you 
ave  left  to  offer 
r  in  here  for  her 
t  me  see  where 
my  back  pay  that 
!  will  require  it." 
thing  he  wished, 
38t3  would  be  un- 

i  few  hours  more 
u  to  deliver  this 
s  young  woman  to 
she  was  in  my 
r  happiness."   He 


OP  A  PBEACIIEB.  29 

took  from  his  little  Hngcr  a  thin  plaiti  gold  rin.^,  wranned 
It  m  a  bit  of  paper  and  gave  it  to  me.  ^^ 

I  received  these  things  mechanically  from  him,  and 

then  wUh  an  air  of  seeming  indillerence,  I  toll  him  H 

was  simply  folly  to  allow  his  imagination  to  contro    him 

0  such  an  extent.    I  had,  I  said,  just  as  good  reason  a^ 

he  to  predict  or  anticipate  evil,  but  that  I  had  no  sueh 
fears  as  disturbed  him. 

"Nor  have  you  the  same  grounds,"  said  he,  slowly. 

1  ou  wiU  hve  through  this,  Harry,  but  I  shall  not. 

Tdl  them  about  me,  for  we  shall  bo  together  to  the 

I  made  some  further  remarks  deprecating  his  gloomv 
notions,  thmking  that  after  we  had  arisen  and  bestirred 
ourselves  we  should  forget  the  whole  matter. 

Kam  again  I    Rain  coming  down  in  torrents.     Vivid 
lightning  flashing  around  ami  loud  thunder  reverberat- 
lug  as  It  the  whole  artillery  of  heaven  was  determined 
0  give  man  an  evidence  of  his  impotence,  and  to  rebuke 
mn  for  hi8  pnde,  his  presumption,  and  his  wickedness. 
1  ut  great  as  was  the  elemental  strife  that  ushered  in  the 
gloomy  morning  of  the  18th  of  June,  it  passed  harm- 
losslyover  our  heads,  while  nearly  200,000  assembled 
warriors  were  waiting  until  God's  grand  storm  should 
pass  away,  so  that  man's  should  begin,  and  with  his 
hghtnmg  and  thunder,  and  iron  hail,  stop  the  pulsation 
of  more  than  ten  thousand  human  hearts,  and  crush 
wound,  and  mutilate  thrice  ten  thousand  human  beings' 
bnugmg  lasting  and  innumerable  woes  on  many  others' 
rhere  they  stood  waiting,  the  forces  of  France  and  the 
forces  of  Britain,  for  the  storm  to  pass  in  order  to  re- 
ceive  the  dread  command  to  begin  the  work  of  destruc- 
tion; and  one  might  fancy  that  the  clouded  sky  was 
ilarkened  still   more    by  the  outspread  wings  of   the 
Demon  of  Death  hovering  over  the  plain,  as  if  waiting 
impatiently  for  the  booming  and  the  rattle  which  were 
I  to  announce  the  beginning  of  the  bloody  carnival. 


.~=.--OB«»i.V,-.]KMi*^jiJ(^-;  ^itr> 


30 


IlEMINIBCENCES 


Hour  after  hour  passed,  and  still  it  rained.  From 
early  dawn  rumbling  and  tranii)ing  sounds  were  heard. 
Legions  and  cohorts,  squadrons  and  battalions,  field 
guns  and  ammunition  wagons,  with  every  known  instru- 
ment  of  destruction,  were  brought  together  by  Napo- 
leon to  crush  the  allied  forces  and  to  secure  on  the  field 
of  Waterloo  his  own  supremacy  in  Europe.  There  were 
the  hostile  armies  in  grand  array,  but  still  the  sky 
frowned  and  the  clouds  wept.  It  would  seem  as  if 
Merciful  Heaven  had  looked  down  with  disapproval  on 
these  vile  preparations  for  destruction,  and  had  in  pity 
hidden  the  sunbeams  so  that  men's  passions  would  have 
had  time  to  cool,  and  that  there  might  be  a  reconcUia- 
tion. 

But  still,  though  the  defiant  armies  waited,  there  was 
no  opening  in  the  clouds,  and  the  muttered  curses  of 
those  who  were  anxious  to  begin  the  fray,  but  prevented 
by  the  incessant  rain,  could  be  heard  in  English,  French, 
and  German.  It  was  now  nearly  ten  o'clock  in  the  fore- 
noon, and  the  weather  continued  so  bad  that  impatient 
Generals  on  both  sides  began  to  fear  that  all  idea  of  a 
battle  on  that  day  must  be  given  up.  After  that  hour, 
however,  the  clouds  parted,  and  the  sky  became  clearer. 
The  hostile  forces  could  be  seen  by  each  other,  and 
their  movements  and  counter  movements  detected. 
More  than  another  hour  passed  before  a  shot  was  fired, 
and  as  most  persons  are  acquainted  with  the  fierce  and 
terrible  struggle  which  followed  on  that  memorable  day, 
I  need  not  recount  the  numerous  scenes  of  destruction 
that  took  place. 

Some  time  in  the  afternoon  our  regiment  was  ordered 
to  join  another  in  a  bayonet  charge  on  the  enemy.  We 
could  hear  the  shouts  of  "  Ft'i-e  VEmpereurr^  and  the 
rolling  of  drums.  We  gave  a  loud  cheer  of  defiance, 
and,  enveloped  in  smoke,  rushed  on  the  French.  As 
we  dashed  excitedly  along,  I  saw  my  poor  comrade 


Bruc 

niOHK 

wa.s  c 
Ju  lo 
(iirou 
nusiini 
niidni 
of  our 
Init  bi 
had  b( 
nicnt, 
of  AVa 

Slial 

the  ph 

with  a 

bosom 

in  the 

Could  , 

mighty 

ovorloci 

Christii 

tliis  is 

nessed 

field,  I 

torture 

War  hoi 

wliiit  sa 

famous; 

liuinanii 

self  ope 

I  cliapter 

be  frowi 

J  rcvcren( 

I  doxy.    ] 

I I  abomii 


OF  A   J-nKACHJiB. 


81 


I  it  rained.  From 
sounds  were  heard, 
iid  battalions,  field 
ivery  known  instru- 
together  by  Napo- 
I  secure  on  the  field 
uropo.  There  were 
,  but  still  the  sky 
would  seem  as  if 
rith  disapproval  on 
on,  and  had  in  pity 
assions  would  have 
lit  be  a  rcconcUia- 

i  waited,  there  was 
muttered  curses  of 
fray,  but  prevented 
in  English,  French, 
o'clock  in  the  foro- 
)ad  that  impatient 
:  that  all  idea  of  a 
After  that  hour, 
iky  became  clearer, 
by  each  other,  and 
vements  detected, 
re  a  shot  was  fired, 
rith  the  fierce  and 
lat  memorable  day, 
ines  of  destruction 

;iment  was  ordered 
n  the  enemy.  We 
npereur!^^  and  the 
cheer  of  defiance, 
1  the  French.  As 
my  poor  comrade 


Bruce,  then  at  my  side,  drop  hi«  musket,  throw  up  his 
a.,«.,  and  fall  heavily  baekwani..    To  slop  for  a  s in' lo 
.ucnon     M^s  in.possible.    1   was  forced  onward.s  u  d 
was  oI,hgod  to  Ic  avo  him  .lymg  or  dead  when  he  was 
n  less  than  twouly  minutes  afterwards  a  ball  passed 
<l.rough  the  fleshy  part  of  my  Hugh,  and  by  some  o  her 
moans  I  was  struck  <lown.     I  lay  where  I  fell  until  a  tor 
>n.da.gl.t,  when  I  was  fortunately  discovere.l  by  a  pa   y 
of  our  men  and  borno  away.    I  never  saw  Bruce  a-i  n 
utefore  I  left  .he  hospital   I  was  told  th^    iLCly 
Imd  been  recognised  and  buried  with  others  of  his  Jl 

Shall  we  ever  meet  again?    My  poor  comrade  was,  as 

with  a  de.adly  weapon  in  his  hands  directed  against  the 

-osom  of  sonie  fellow-creature.    He  passed  into  ete  niiy 

m  he  very  act,  it  might  be   said,  of  taking  human  life^ 

mSvriT  "f  .'^•^':^^^'''^  ^h«  ^Pl"-oval  of  the  Al- 
mishty?  I  doubt  u.  Can  an  action  of  the  kind  be 
0  orlooked  or  excused  in  a  Christian?  I  am  aware  that 
Christian  nations  arc  foremost  to  tolerate  war.  Tome 
Uus  IS  perplexing  and  inexplicable.    I  who  have  wit- 

nelT^Z  ;'"^^  "'  *'"  bloody  struggles  of  a  battle 
1^11, 1  who  have  seen  men  and  animals  writhin-  iu 
or ture  with  none  to  offer  the  slightest  relief,  pronounce 
a   homb  e  and  atrocious.    No  matter  by  ;hom  or  by 
vlmt  sanctioned  or  tolerated,  actual  war  is  to  me  in- 
l^nnous;  ,t  is  a  disgrace  to  civilization  and  degrading  to 
u  nanity.    For  these  strong  expressions  I  m,^  lay  my? 
■If  open  to  severe  censure.    I  maybe  pointed^o^a 
clapterorverse,ortoa"Thu8saiththeLord!''  I  may 
be  frowned  upon  by  Christian  sages,  and  reproved  by 
overeaHathersof  the  church  for  my  seemiifg  hetero- 
doxy    I  cunnot  help  this.    From  the  depths  of  my  soul 
1 1  abommato  war,  and  I  fearlessly  asserJ  that  in  evc^ 


i'^^^^^^'ef^&^i.^v.^lii^S'aJ^'i^i^'ii^'f 


^  KEM1NI8CENCB8 

Bon«o  It  13  brutal,  diabolic,  and  debasing  to  human 
°*^"'°*         ,     .  n  iiinf  w'lr  19  a  dire  necessity,  that 

Iloavcn;  wc  may  bo  told  "*'^'    "*"„y  ^^.i^  enemies, 
peculiar  people  were  commanded  to  sUyr  thur 

U  that  this  mi^t  have  ^;^2SX^^^^^^ ^  ^- 
^^^'•'u^rtrirrVevi  i-have  we  not  the  precepts 

fully  use  and  1---  X"  '  and  loTe  our  enemies, 
submissive  to  these  '^'^^^""SS  a"^  '«  ^^^  ,      ^^ 

there  can  be  no  more  ^^ar  among  Urn   lanpc. 

must  forever  cease  among  th°«^"P«';f  ^^^  ^^1^1  of 

s  ^^^^^f^::^,  i^iuld  curse  those 

XS\lvoc:rrwhiIe  keeping  safe  themselves 

from  the  bloody  strife  1 


OF   A   PBEAtllEU. 


islng  to  human 

0  necessity,  that 
igdoin  there  in  a 
)  W1V8  once  war 
icreil  confines  o£ 
lent  limes  GoiI'h 
ay  their  enemies, 
1(1  for  some  great 
lifferent  now,  for 

1  not  Uie  precepts 
ivino  Master,  anil 
;  »  But  I  say  into 
soever  sliall  smite 
lie  oilier  also?   Yo 
hou  shall  love  thy 
t  !•  say  unto  you, 
ursc  you,  ilo  good 
icm  which  dcspitc- 
thereforc,  wo  arc 
love  our  cmcniies, 

Christian  pc>r1c;  it 
1  earth,  as  Uey  t»'ll 
in  the  kingdom  of 
I  would  curse  those 
ig  safe  themselves 


CIIAITEU  VI. 

IN  nosriTAL. 

Nearly  six  months  In  a  hospital!      Six  dreary  months 
surrounded  by  (ho  ^.o«n.le.I  and  disabled,  scarcely  a  dav 
lussui.  wuhoutseein..  .some  stricken  or  mntihitc.nrreck 
ol  humamty  borne  away  to  his.  Rrave.     What  a  t  me  for 
«  nous  retlcctionl   Xever  shall  I  forgot  the  many  hearl 
ondui.  scenes  which  l  witnessed  durin,  my  conf„. 
■^'•ntas  an  invalid.     There   we  lay  erowded  toge  her 
y  poss,,,e  foot  of  roomhavingto  bo  occupied  to  g^vo 
'^hiAu    to  some  poor  creature  who  had  perl.aps  but  a 
low  hours  longer  to  live.      Terrible  enough  as  t  «.    to 
see  the  prostrate  and  the  fallen  on  the  Held  of  battle  yet 
11  was  something  awful  to  see  so  many  of  the  nort'allv 
wounded  stretched  helplessly  around  us,  who,  w^l  p  lo 

achel  features  were  calmly,  or  restloLly,  oriu  enst- 
b!y  awauing  death.  »uai,ai,i- 

And  then,  during  the  long  hours  of  the  night,  Iw 
mful  and  depressing  to  hear  the  groans,  the  nwinT 
tl  0  ejaculations,  andtlio  half-muttered  praters  orcuS 
«;f  the  tortured  or  sleepless;  for  maSy  of  the  moro 
.I.'speuately  wounded  could  have  had  scarcely  one  mL 
luonts'  sound  repose  from  the  time  they  had  beenstru^S^ 
W  There  theylay-Ohl  what  an  eiJl  t^  mSi^am' 

r  on;  ri''"'  ""°^  ''""'  ''''^'^S,  some  paralyzed, 
ail.  bomc  wishing  for  their  final  release. 

One  thing,  however,  which  struck  mo  aa  very  re- 
markable, vvas  the  almost  complete  indiirerencoo7  the 

>"Vg  regard  ng  a  future  state  of  rewards  or  punish!      ■ 
monts  after  death.    Very  few  seemed  to  give  the  mo- 
mcatous  subject  the  slightest  consideration     Every  ™ne 


I  • 


I'l 


E 
\ 


■«s«ks«aae34t,*.v-.*w -«*,., . 


II  ll^MINl^*l:l•'.NCl•;S 

Of  tho  Huffori..-  mortals  Htn>tch.'(l  nhmi  us  had  been,  I 
mi'ht  sav,  l.r....-lit  u,.  in  th.>  luH.'f  of  lli>'  ClirMia.i  ro- 
n-ron,  yet  tlici-c  wore  no  terrors  arisiu,^  from  l  lie  tiiou-lits 
of  a  .Irea-lful  lu-ll   or  f.rstatic  hopes  to  .leli-l.t  from  au- 
tkliKvtio.H  of  heaveu.     All  who  wishe.l   for  .leath-a.u 
th.M-e  were   many  of  thcae-bcUevo.l,  apparently,  Iha 
when  th.V  ceased  to  hreaihe   there    would  ho  au  end  ol 
their  sullerH-s  and  (hat  they  should  he  f..rever  at  re^t 
Tlu-rowas,  after  all,  one  notahlo  exeeption  to  this 
Bcemins'  um^on-.-rn.      Within  a  few   feet  of  me  lay  a 
8or«eant  of  one  of  our  regi.nents.    He  was  a  youni^  nuvn, 
scarcely  beyond  twenty-six.     He  had  been  .lespera  ely 
wounded  i.i  the  breast  by  a  Bhell,  and  it  was  a  proof  of 
his  .M-eat  stren-th  and  vi-or  that  he  contmned  to  huscr 
80  many  days  after  the  sur.-eons  had  pronounced    ho 
wound  mortal.     I  felt  f,'reatly  for  ium  an.l  did  what  I 
could  to  assi.t  in  dvin-  him  all  the  possible  case  that  his 
case  would  admit  ..f.     He  had  not  the  Hlij,d.test  hope  of 
his  recovery,  and  thon-h  his  mind  was  clear  as  to  his 
condition,  iio  was  harass.d  by  doubts,  fears,  and  ro- 
Krcts  to  a  very  p:dnful  degree,  and  many  times  durins 
the  dav,  and  often  through  the   night,  Ins  sighs  and 
sclt-reproachcs  were  most  distressing;  and  his  dread  of 
future  retribution  was  frequently  a  cause  of  great  mcu- 

tal  torture.  ,   .  ... 

"Fool,  idiot,  madman  that  I  was  to  bring  myself  to 

such  a  stale  as  tliis  1  Will  God  over  forgive  mc  for  what 
1  have  done?  Alas!  alas!  I  sec  tho  evil  of  my  ways  too 
late,  too  late!  And  Ohi  what  am  I  to  oxpoct  m  tho 
eternity  which  is  to  follow?  " 

I  tried,  of  course,  to  give  him  what  comfort  I  could 
under  the  circumstances,  but  my  efforts  were  often  hut 
of  little  avail.  At  times  when  I  thought  I  should  grow 
worse  and  die  myself,  then  I  too  began  to  fear  and,  in- 
stinctively as  it  were,  I  resorted  to  prayer,  and  puttmg 
aside  all  shame,  I  used  to  kneel  close  to  the  bcd-sido  of 


t  us  hiid  been,  I 
lu'  ClirMiiVii  ro- 
•0111  till!  tlu)u;^lits 

Uli;,'lil  from  an- 
for  death— iuul 
apiKirniitly,  Ihiit 
uld  1)0  iiu  oud  of 
1!  forever  at  vcai. 
"X('eption  to  this 
feet  ot  me  lay  a 
i-as  ayouni^  man, 
been  de^l)crali'ly 
it  \VM  a  jiroof  of 
ntiuued  to  linger 

I  iiroiiounced  tho 

II  and  did  what  I 
*il)le  oasiilhat  his 
HJi^ditest  hope  of 
IS  clear  as  to  his 
H,  fears,  and  ro- 
any  times  during 
lit,  hissl;,'hs  and 

and  his  dread  of 
use  of  groat  mcu- 

0  bring  myself  to 

rgivo  mc  for  what 

kil  of  my  ways  too 

to  expect  iu  tho 

,t  comfort  I  could 
•ts  were  often  but 
ight  I  should  grow 
n  to  fear,  and,  in- 
ayer,  and  putting 
to  the  bed-sido  of 


OF  A  rnEACIIEIl.  0g 

my  dWnjr  companion  and  pray  (hat  (Jo,!  would  have  pity 
a..d  men.y  on  „s  both,  as  well  as  on  (he  uneoi.ve  ("u 
rnulll.u  e  around  us,  ...any  of  whom  were  abo,       ,  ;. 

-m,sawlupnMen.H.  and  many  of  whom  r.hinX 
"i-,'l,l,  alas!  only   h.'ar  the  drea.l  words  of  their  eon- 

'''"'"^""'"■.    ;!''"•"  though  at  (imes  I  used  .o'  1 
^'"""'  "";'  ""'i'l-^'-vn.,  yet   I   wonl.l   fre.p.endy    e     ,  J 
al-nost  alarmed  regarding  (he  state   of  n.y  son'   , ,     " 
i;i"vhens,ons  would  bo  inereased  by  remorse-lfor  (    u 
•"•Mlynig  sergeant  seemed  to  be  eontaglons,  „„.!    o 
'"':'""'{""•"  '•<''vl.odin..s.   However,  wl.ii;o(Um  u'   ul^ 

s,.n-Un:^.eadorindi,rorent,Iwo.ddVersist,and'^ 
■^    Hut  m   grea  est  resource  was  in  prayer,  I  made  my 

voice  Jieard  by  (hoso  around,  and  I  imagined  (hat  many 
moan  was  occasionally  snppresse.i  iu  order  that   Z 

b    past  further  hearing.    Still,  haras,e,|  |,y  d„uUa,  my 
JoligiouH  i.rogress  was  often  greatly  obstructed. 

One  night  while  rea.ling  by  (ho   ,lim  li.|u  „  i^^lo  Tes- 
amont  which  had  been  kindly  given  me^by  some  pious 
H  tor,     was  sorely  (empted  by  what  I  read  to  .bo 
Ic^eintho   Divine   Revelation  of  Christianitv  ami  to 
■ak  that,  from.the  admitted  di.HcuKies  in';::^   ^^ 
t'"",  the  comparatively  few  of  the  most  intelligent  who 
accepted  i,s  entire  teachings,  and  from  the  few  ovJn 
a^nong  Ijehevers  tliat,  after  all,  should  be  finally  save.l 
ho  whole  w.as  but  a  cunningly  devise<l  fable,      in  some 
:|ces  I  was  struck  by  contradictions  which  troubled  me 

.uillienticity  became  more  perplexing  when  the  ser-eant 
uuoxpeetedly  demanded  from  me, 'why  God  p  mi^^S 
c vd  o  exist;  why  God,  who  was  said  to  be  all-pow"  fn 

honid  allow  an  arch-enemy  to  thwart  his  plan   and  in- 
lluence  fallible  beings  to  their  destruction    leav ii  .  but        • 
a  small  number  to  escape?  ° 

I  of  course  gave  him  tho  best  reply  I  could.    I  told 


■'6Si3ailMia*4,«ii&», 


ItLMIXTSCENCEfl 


ill 


ii 
IP 


him  that  many  of  God's  truest  servants  had  ocen  sorely 
tried  by  vain  quustioaiiv^'ri  and  foolish  misgivings,  as  if 
these  had  been  sent  to  test  their  faith.  I  told  him  h  was 
proper  when  such  evil  interrogations  were  sugg^^sted  by 
the  same  arch-enemy,  or  by  our  own  erring  reason,  to 
deal  with  th(>m  as  a  celebrated  divine  used  to  deal  with 
his  doubts,  that  is,  to  put  them  down  by  main  force  and 
then  resort  to  prayer. 

He  seemed  dissalislicd,however,with  the  explanation 
I  had  given,  but  when  I  suggested  that  we  should  ask 
for  divine  enlightenment  he  appeared  willing,  and  then, 
after  I  had,  with  rather  timid  faith,  entreated  the  Lord 
to  make  plain  to  our  minds  that  which  was  to  be  under- 
stood in  his  Holy  Word,  I  think  we  both  felt  more  con- 
tented  to  wait  that  fuller  explanation  which  we  thought 
He  alone  could  give,  and  which  I  was  then  almost  con- 
fident would  sooner  or  later  be  imparted  by  the  Holy 
Spirit  to  every  searcher  after  divine  truth. 

A  few  moments  after  this,  when  the  melancholy  wind 
was  moaning  outside,  and  the  rain  falling  fast,  he  said 
tome:— "I  have  not  yet  told  you  anything  of  my  his- 
tory; it  will  be  useless  to  tell  you  much,  but  I  shall  feel 
some  relief  if  I  inform  you  of  the  particular  circum- 
stance  which  caused  mc  to  leave  a  comfortable  home, 
to  betray  my  dearest  friend,  and  to  enlist,  and  which 
has  brought  me  to  ray  present  hopeless  condition,  my 
misery,  and  to  my  deserved  retribution."     He  then 
gave  me  a  short  account  of  his  family,  and  of  the  prin- 
cipal matter  which  brought  him  so  much  self-reproach 
and  depression  now  that  he  was,  ho  believed,  soon  to  be 
called  upon  to  make  an  acknowledgment  in  the  presence 
of  the  great  omnipotent  Judge  of  all. 

His  father  was  a  respectable  shop-keeper  in  London, 
who,  desirous  of  advancing  his  only  son,  gave  him  a 
good  education,  and  got  him  a  position  in  the  office  of  a 
leading  attorney.    While  attending  hia  studies,  much  of 


NCEfl 

ervants  had  ocen  sorely 
foolish  misgivings,  as  if 
•  faith.  I  told  him  h  was 
itions  were  suggtjsted  by 
own  erring  reason,  to 
divine  used  to  deal  with 
down  by  main  force  and 

rer,  with  the  explanation 
stcd  that  we  should  ask 
leared  willing,  and  then, 
aith,  entreated  the  Lord 
t  which  was  to  be  under- 
Ic  we  both  felt  more  con- 
nation  which  we  thought 
1  I  was  then  almost  con- 
be  imparted  by  the  Holy 
ivine  truth. 

hen  the  melancholy  wind 
rain  falling  fast,  he  said 
you  anything  of  my  his- 
'ou  much,  but  I  shall  feel 
)£  the  particular  circura- 
ivc  a  comfortable  home, 
and  to  enlist,  and  which 
It  hopeless  condition,  my 
[  retribution."  He  then 
s  family,  and  of  the  prin- 
im  so  much  self-reproach 
as,  he  believed,  soon  to  be 
vledgment  in  the  presence 
e  of  all. 

3  shop-keeper  in  London, 
his  only  son,  gave  him  a 
I  position  in  the  office  of  a 
nding  hia  studies,  much  of 


OF  A  PREACniB.  37 

the  tJmo  from  homo,  hogot  acquainted  with  a  fowyonne 
men,  students  like  him.elf,   but  of  dissipated  and  S- 
tiavagant  habits,  causing  him  not  only  to  contract  a 
number  of  debts  which  he  was  quite  unable  toTay   but 
to  embarrass  hts  father  to  a  very  serious  degree.    Ono 
t,      '■•  ^"'T»'«»l'  ^"''^  '-cckless  than  the  olhers,  with 
1.0  view  of  obta.ning  money  to  meet  certain  pressiu'. 
...lunds  aswellas  to  have  an  amount  at  disposal  for 
ur  her  debauelieiy,  got  him  to  joiu  in  a  promissory  nolo 
0     wo  hundred  pounds.    To  this  the  endorsement  of 
M  o,nment  legal  ilrm  was  forged  by  his  unprincipled 

no     :i'fn'V'''n''T  ''^'''  '"'•'''=^'°'''  t"«<l.  ••^"'Ur.ins- 
ported  for  the  illegal  act,  leaving  liim  to  escape  with 
great  dUhcuUy  the  charge  of  being  an  accomplice'     Cut 
this  was  not  his  worst  trouble.      He  had  become  very 
much  attached  to  the  sister  of  one  of  the  young  mea 
vuh  whom  he  had  been  so  intimate.    She  recip^ocateS 
the  gentle  feeling,  and  unwisely  placing  to.  mich  con- 
fi  once  in  his  honor,  was  in  that  condition  which,  ac- 
ccHlin^g  to  he  stern  social  code  of  morality  of  the  day- 
one  which  xs  still  truly  inhuman-must  have  brought 
hei  disgrace  unless  he  soon  became  her  husband.     This 
he  promised  to  do.    Everything  was  prepared  for  the 
marriage,  but  on  the  very  morning  on  which  the  cer^ 
mony  was  to  have  taken  place,  he  violated  his  pledge, 
le  indulged  m  strong  drink  until  he  had  become  intos- 
cated,  and  while  in  this  condition,  he  deliberately  went      • 
o  a  recruiting  office  and  enlisted,  dishonorably  leavin.. 
er  who  had  loved  and  trusted  him  to  the  contempt,  and 
tl.c  reproaches  of  a  censorious  and  unfeeling  world 
-Nw  bitterly  dwelling  on  what  must  have  be«n  hereto; 
1.S  self-condemnation  was  almost  constant,  and  here  on 
|- dying  bed  ho  was  bewailing  with  tears  his  terrible 
'oachery.    When  I  spoke  of  repentance  to  God  he 
turned  on  me  with  a  look  of  reproach  and  said— 

RopontaacotoGodl    What  rcparaUoa  can  that  bo 


ii; 


■-^^S^*««te»>,««i. 


i  i 


i    .: 


11 


98 


llEMtN'ISCENCM 


to  her  who  may  now  bo  homeless,  wandering,  and  dc 
spised?"  lie  would  then  exclaim-.  "  Ohl  God,  pity  her. 
Oh!  nity  lier  and  help  her,  even  if  I  shonld  hco  but  thy 
frown  and  sink  to  eternal  perdition,  llcpentanccl  Can 
I  at  the  eleventh  hour  bo  absolved  from  all  sin,  bo  made 
pure  and  for-ivcn,  while  she  through  my  cvd  and 
treacherous  act  is  to  bo  condemnc.l?  This  is  not  ju^- 
ticcl  Oh!  God!  let  it  not  bo  sol  I  am  the  sinner,  the 
deceiver,  the  serpent,  and  let  thy  vengeance  bo  on  mo 

""  T  found  it;  useless  to  say  much  to  him  until  his  mind 
had  become  more  calm,  but  as  he  was  failing  fast  I 
thou-ht  it  best  to  be  as  watchful  of  him  as  possible  until 
the  last  moment.   Towards  t!ic  next  midnight  ho  aroused 
me  from  a  kind    of   doze,  for  ho  had  now  become  so 
weak  and  wasted,  and  I  pitied  him  so  much,  that  1 
dared  not  venture  to  indulge  iu  anything  like  a  sound 
sleep,  lest  he  should  pass  away  without  one  near  to  hear 
his  last  word,  or  see  him  draw  his  last  ^J-^eath.    In  a 
voice  scarcely  above  a  whisper,  ho  asked,  '  Can  God 
have  mercy  on  mo  after  what  I  have  done?    \Vil   IIo 
not  cast  mc  off  forever?  "    I  replied  in  the  words  of  the 
lO'Jd  Psalm-"  The  Lord  is  merciful  and  gracious,  slow 
to  anger,  and  plenteous  in  mercy."    And  I    quoted 
further  from  another-"  His  anger  cndurcth  but  a  mo- 
'^   mcnt;  Tlis  mercy  endureth  forever." 

Hut  even  the  solacing  words  which  should  be  bo 
assurin-  seemed  to  have  but  little  effect.  He  was  as 
one  almost  overwhelmed  with  doubts  and  apprehension, 
andiuagony  of  mind  replied:— 

u Is  not  God  also  a  'consuming  lire'?  Docs  he  not 
say  in  Jeremiah-'  I  will  not  pity,  nor  spare,  nor  have 
mercy,  but  destroy ' ;  '  For  I  have  kin.lle.l  a  tiro  in  mme 
Tn-^cJ  which  shall  burn  forever?'"  "Ohl'  conlmucd 
ho""  arc  not  these  dreadful  words,  all  intended  for  mc, 
and  now  a  thousand  times  more  dreadful  to  mo  than 
they  over  were  before?  "  ^    ^ 


OF  A  PREACnCR. 


89 


•andcriug,  and  dc- 
Ohl  God,  pity  her. 

should  Hcc  but  thy 
Llcpcutiiuccl  Cau 
m  all  sill,  be  made 
ugh  my  evil  and 
This  is  not  jus- 
am  the  sinner,  the 
ngeauco  bo  ou  mo 

lim  until  his  mind 
was  tailing  fast  I 
im  as  possible  until 
lidnight  he  aroused 
lad  now  become  so 
[U  so  much,  that  1 
'thing  like  a  sound 
ut  one  near  to  hear 
last  breath.    In  a 
asked,  "Can  God 
vc  done?    "Will  Ho 
in  the  words  of  the 
and  gracious,  slow 
."     And  I    quoted 
cndurcth  but  a  mo- 

n 

vhich  should  be  so 

effect.    He  was  as 

,3  and  apprehension, 

lire '?  Does  he  not 
nor  spare,  nor  have 
;indled  a  tire  in  mine 
"Ohl"  continued 
all  intended  for  me, 
dreadful  to  mo  than 


It  was  plain  to  be  seen  that  the  poor  man's  jnind  was 
terribly  tortured.  A  person  would  ihink  that  ho  must 
have  been  at  one  time  given  to  what  has  been  called  (ho 
nthersinfulla.sk  of  selecting  and  comparing  so-called 
contradictory  texts;  for  the  moment  I  quoted  «orao 
gracious  promise,  he  would  at  once  repeat  some  passa-'o 
wlii.;h  must  have  conveyed  the  idea  to  liis  mind  (hat  Iho 
merciful  Creator  was  as  unforgiving,  as  relentless,  and 
as  revengeful  as  erring,  implacable  man. 

He  was  now  fast  sinking.  Like  one  in  the  midst  of 
tlireatenlng  waves,  he  seemed  to  despair  of  rescue,  and 
lie  looked  imploringly  at  mo  as  the  dew  of  death  could 
l)e  seen  on  his  brow,  and  the  shadow  of  the  awful  raes- 
seng,M-  drawing  closer  towards  him.  His  lips  moved  as 
il  he  vnshed  (o  speak.  I  held  my  car  close  to  them  and 
Heard  him  whisper  but  one  lone  word— "Pray"'  J  did 
pray  then  from  the  depths  of  my  soul,  and  beseechcd  the 
J-ord  of  all  mercy  and  compassion  (o  look  on  him  with 
an  eye  of  forgiveness,  and  not  to  cut  him  otlf  forever 
While  I  was  thus  engaged,  he  made  a  feeble  effort  to 
draw  me  closer  to  him,  and  then,  as  it  were,  summon- 
mg  all  his  remaining  strength,  he  said:— 

"  One  thing  do  for  me  if  you  ever  return  to  Enn-land 
See  /(//•  and  tell  her  how  I  have  repented  of  my  betrayal- 
how  she  was  in  my  last  thouglits,  and  how  I  have  im- 
plored the  great  God  of  Heaven  to  protect  her." 

He  then  gave  me  her  name  and  the  address  of  the 
place  where  he  had  last  met  her,  and  I  hatl  scarcely 
Siven  hmi  the  assurances  which  lie  required  when  ho 
became  insensible.  I  could  just  hear  him  mutter  a 
prayer  and  her  name,  and  in  a  few  minutes  afterwards, 
before  the  dawn  made  its  appearance,  his  soul  took  its 
hght  and  left  its  shattered  tenement.  In  less  than  an 
">ur  from  that  lime,  the  body  was  removed,  and  when 
lie  sun  rose  that  wintry  morning  his  pale  weak  beams 
leil  upon  the  grave  of  the  young  sergeant. 


i. 


40 


REMijriac'KircEe 


CII.iTTER  VII. 


EAHTH    TO    EARTH. 

I  was  in  Eni^land  a<?ain.  With. what  different  feelings 
I  had  landed,  when  compared  with  those  which  had  in- 
fluenced  nic  when  I  left!     I  was  now  a  discharged 
soldier  in  civilian's  clothing,  and  but  slowly  regaimng 
my  fitren-th.    My  Urst  impulse  was  to  find  my  mother 
and  implore  her  pardon.    I  was  most  anxious  to  see  her 
again,  for  I  had  heard  nothing  of  her  since  the  time  of 
my  reckless  departure.     I  called  at  the   well-known 
dwelling  in  Loudon,  but  I  found  it  occupied  by  stran- 
gers who  could  give  me  no  information  concerning  her. 
There   had   also   been  removals  from   the    adjoining 
houses,  and  as  people  in  a  large  city,  living  even  in  the 
same  street,  for  the  most  part  know  but  little  of  om 
another,  I  could  find  no  person  in  the  neighborhood  to 
tell  mc  where  she  had  gone.    >Vliat  perpetual  changes 
seem  to  be  in  the  order  of  human  affairs!     After  many 
useless  inquiries  it  struck  mc  that  I  should  call  on  the 
nearest  circuit   preacher  for   tidings.    I  did   so   and 
learned  that  in  consequence  of  the  failing  state  of  my 
mother's  health,  Mr.  Shaw  had  been  removed  to  St. 
Leonard's  in  Sussex,  by  the  sea,  in  the  hope  that  the 
chan-e  would  help  her.    The  death  of  the  superintend- 
ent of  that  circuit  about  three  months  previous  to  that 
time  had  left  a  vacancy,  of  which  Mr.  Shaw  had  there- 
fore availed  himself,  and  I  was  told  that  it  was  in  that 
place  I  should  now  find  her. 

I  left  London  early  next  morning.  Travelling  in 
those  days  was  very  different  from  what  it  is  at  present, 
and  I  did  not  rea«h  my  point  of  destination  untU  the 


In 

liad  1 
or  111 
TJicr 
vanit 
mnui; 
inigh 
were 
honoj 


■»mt=r.  ^5iiow^y«isfc-"  ■ 


w-jMsaw^^ase  *-'«af  "»»^-"^ 


different  feelings 
ose  which  had  in- 
low  a  discharged 

slowly  regaining 
)  find  my  mother 
ixnxious  to  see  her 

since  the  time  of 
,  the  well-known 
iccupicd  by  stran- 
)n  concerning  her. 
ra  the  adjoining 
living  even  in  the 

but  little  of  onj 
ic  neighborhood  to 
perpetual  changes 
airs!     After  many 

should  call  on  the 
9.  I  did  so  and 
ailing  state  of  my 
n  removed  to  St. 
he  hope  that  the 
if  the  supcrintend- 
s  previous  to  that 
[r.  Shaw  had  therc- 
that  it  was  in  that 

ing.  Travelling  in 
■hat  it  is  at  present, 
stinatiou  until  the 


OF  A  PRKACnEB.  M 

c  ty.       had  to  walk  about  a  „nlo  from  where  the  sta-o 
topped     It  was  the  end  of  March,  tho  weather  was 

;  ."i  n"?',"";' " '  ""'^  '"^''^^'^'y  -"^  thoughtful ; 

aong  J  passed  close  to  a  counfry  churchyard!    At  a 
I'Ue  distance  I  saw  a  number  of  persons  within  the 
micent  enclosure,  evidently  attending  a  funen  IT  L 
'.anchesof  a  great  willow  hung  in  a  meland  o ly  man 
n     around   hem.    I  stood  looking  on.    It  was  a  s^no 
Lit    n  a  degree   was  then  in  unison  with  my  own 
Uoughs.    In  a  few  moments  I  hoard  a  voice  givi^^ 
ou    a  funeral  hymn,  a  hym„  that  I  had  often  hearS 
before,  and  I  remained  almost  spell-bound  by  so  emn 
re  lecl.ons  while  a  verse  was  being  sun^^  and  as  tZ 
cold  evening  wind  wafted  the  ^.ournfnl  me "i  neare 
a..  InKjde  rt  more  distinct,  I  felt  much  affected'^  and  L 
spite  of  every  restraint   big  tears  filled  my  eyes  when  I 
though  of  the  many  prevailing  sorrows,  affli  tions   and 
uucertainties  of  life.    At  the  close  of  the  firve^e 
aiiother  was  read  out,  and  I  could  now  hear  eveiy  word 
with  greater  distinctness:—  ^ 

"  ^"Vf  la".ff"lsliiiiK  head  is  at  rest, 

lU  thinking  and  aching  are  o'er; 
Tliisquiot,  iramov.ablo  breast. 

Is  heaved  by  aftliction  no  more. 

,\,  heart  is  no  lon^or  tho  seat 

ur  trouble  and  torturing  pain. 
It  cojises  to  flutuir  and  b(S.t, 

It  never  shall  flutter  aijain." 

In  deep  sympathy  with  the  bereaved  mourners  who 
Id  lost  some  dear  friend,_brother,  or  sister,  or  wTfc 
0  husband,  or  parent,-!  could  not  leave  the  pice 
Ihere,  thought  I,  is  another  admonitory  lesson  orthc 
vanity  of  all  earthly  things.  There  beneath  the  little 
mo-Hls  around  he  many  to  whom  this  transitory  fo 
ight  have  been  the  all-attractive  especial  glory,  who 
ore  perhaps  governed  by  inordinate  desires  for  wealth 
honor,  and  distinction.    How  evaaeseont  is  tho  gL^ "f 


^<«vsaaw^~i,efte«*e--^  ^*»,- 


An  REMINISCENCES 

thoworldl    Alas!  how  muto  arc  they  no^y  ^  ho  would 

ain  bo  heard  l.y  applauding  thousand.!    f^^ 

untilthelast  trump,  as  it   is  believed,  shall  oaU  Ihtm 

'"SeU^-'ondod,  and,  after  a  short  pause  au- 
otlMowas  now  heard,  a  voice  at  Urst  tremulous 
: -[b  emotion,  but  yet  one  evidently  -P--vo  «    « 
fidence  in  the  sacriul  words-sacred  to  those  at  iio 
'Le-which  were  uttered,  and  of  the  hope  in  the 
f  Uure  union  of  sundered  hearts.    "  I  am  th-  ^esur  ec- 
n  and  the  lite,  saith  the  Lord;    he  that  believe  h  m 
hou,h  he  ^ore  dead,  yet  shall  he  live •,  and  whoso- 
ever liveth  nnd  believeth  in  me  shall  never  die  ' 

I  was  startled!     I  knew  the  voice  "^""^-^^wa   'u», 
surely.    It  was  Mr.  Shaw,  who  was  now  repeating  the 
solemn  form  of  service.    1  listened  with  more  eager 
at  ention.    He  seemed  to  feel  deeply  for  the  bereavc- 
Tn   which  some  member  of  his  society  had  met;  and 
j;:  dosing  prayer  was  so  fervent^  and  t-^liu^  ^;;;^  j^ 
Bobbin.'  of  uearlv  all  present  could  be  di.stinetly  litarcl. 
Mv    emotions    at   the    time    would   be   indescribable 
Tloi^tanding  apart  from  the  others,  through  a  ni.s 
unaccountable    feeling    I    imagmed  ^-f^'J^.^l 
mourner,  and,  when  they  commenced  to  ^h™^  "^  ""^ 
Tarth  I  eltas  if  some  beloved  form  was  about  to  bo 
Wdd  nf  omme  forever;  and  the  hollow  soiinds  from 
the  depth  of  the  grave  seemed  like  the  knel  of  departed 
hope  and  that  I  was  now  to  be  alone  in  a  bleak  world 
^    ''Ser  this,  one  by  one  left  the  place.   T'le  grave  mus 
^      have  been  nearly  filled,  but  Mr.  Shaw  and  a    ew  others 
mUied  until  the  fresh  mound  was  fo™-    and  cov- 
ered with  green  sods,  and  then  I  noticed  that  it  was 
with  apparent  reluctance  that  he  and  the  friends  of  the 
dece^d   took   their  sad   steps  from  the  churchyard 
Teavi^  mo  and  the  approaching  uight  alone  among  tho 
tombs. 


Dc 

moth 
my  0 
sible 
i*pen( 
inc  bi 
1  was 
rellgi, 


^-;v^,tiSS6.i»rtB»S^'** 


r,  -M^  ■30*u'r'^  * 


OF    A    PJiKACUKB. 


48 


I  now  \*  ho  would 

Silent  forever! 

,  shall  call  them 

short  pause,  an- 
t  tirst  tremulous 
sprcssivc  of  con- 
to  those  at  the 
the  hope  in  the 
am  the  resurrec- 
that  belie vcth  in 

live;  and  whoao- 
luver  die." 

again— it  was  kis, 
low  repeating  the 

with  more  eager 
ly  for  the  hercavc- 
■i(!ty  had  met;  and 
1  touching  that  the 
le  distinctly  heard. 

be  indescribable. 
!rs,  through  a  most 

myself  the  chief 
id  to  throw  in  the 
rm  was  about  to  be 
loUow  sounds  from 
le  knell  of  departed 
3  in  a  bleak  world. 
:e.  The  grave  must 
w  and  a  few  others 
IS  formed  and  cov- 

noticed  that  it  was 
id  the  friends  of  the 
ora  the  churchyard, 
•ht  alone  among  tho 


I  waited  there  until  all  were  out  of  sight.    I  was  in 
iio  haste  (o  follow.     I  Mt  strangely  sick  at  heart,  and 
was  someway  unwilling  that  the  last  poor  tenant  which 
m.l  n.t  just  entered  the  house  of  the  dead  should  yet 
1)0     eft  entirely  alone.    I  was  attracts  towards  the 
u(-wly-made  grave.    I  got  over  tlio  low  stone  wall     I 
went  to  the  spot  and  stoo.l  there  pondering.    How  soon, 
thought  1,  may  it  be  my  turn  to  be  a  mourner  like  those 
who  liavc  just  left  here,  and  to  drop  a  tear  over  ono 
whose  loss  will  be  irreparable?    i„  a  minute  or  two  I 
was  aroused   by  the  sound  of  footsteps.    A  little  boy 
hiid  come  there  for  a  spade  which  had  been  left  belaud. 
1  asked  Inm:  — 

"  Afy  good  lad,  can  you  tell  mc  whose  grave  this  is? 
^\  ho  IS  it  that  was  buried  here  this  ovcnin"?" 

Oh!  the  terrible   reply  that  laid  me  pro^strate!     OhI 

iH^  agony  of  the  dreadful  moment!    For  I,  the  wretched 

hcart-s  neken  wanderer,  had  but  returned  to  see  my 

nu)  her  s  funeral,  and  beneath  the  shadows  of  that  sad 

night  to  moisten  her  lonely  grave  with  my  repentant 


CHAPTER  VIII, 

ON  A    WILD    CIRCUIT. 

Desirous  of  fultllling  the  anxious  wish  of  my  departed 
mother,  and  more  in  accordance  with  her  desire  than 
my  own  inclination,  I  made  application  as  soon  as  pos- 
sible after  her  death,  and  was  «ent  out  as  a  preacher  to 
Impend  my  first  year  on  a  remote  circuit.  This  suited 
no  better  than  to  be  in  the  vicinity  of  a  large  town,  for 
1  was  among  a  simple,  rural  people,  well  disposed  and 
lohgiously  inclined,  who  overlooked  the  perfunctory 


''^^^^^I^^^Bi^v#^^»a^Sia*^giirt£ftt.-* 


^  11EMIN18CENCE8 

way  m  which  I  performed  many  of  my  duties '•"^^^^'j.'^'] 
much  time  for  reading  and  study.  I  must  say  t  at  I 
Mt  them  with  regret.  1  chanced  to  ^^ J"*  ^-^ f  ^^^^ 
a-ain;  and  since  that  far-back  period  of  my  hfc,  many 
of  them  have,  I  trust,  passed  to  their  great  reward,  U 
Buch  is  in  store  lor  the  truly  worthy. 

My  duties  the  second  year  were  very  different,  being 
xnSy  both  difficult  and  dangerous.   Th«V'""'^l„^ 
more  in  an  endeavor  to  civilize  a  certain  barbarous  class 
SEngUsh  people  than  in  fact  to  teach  J^^^  -^;«;-; 
As  to  that,  they  had  scarcely  the  remotest  idea  of  what 
^iSon  really  meant;  and  notwithstanding  that  more 
Unn  a  centunr  has  passed  since  Wesleyans  in  particular 
Sesuch  pTople  'the    objects  of  special  ^tent.o  ,1 
think  I  shall  not  be  accused  of  going  beyond  the  truth 
wien  I  assert  that  very  many  of  their  descendants  at 
H^  preset  day  in  the  mines,  and  scattered  m  various 
ics  throughout  the  kingdom,  are  as  vde  as  stupid 
S  brutal,  ami  almost  as  dangerous  as  their  ignoran 
ancestors  were  even  in  the  time  of  Cromwell.    Ohl  that 
Homo  Missions  were  made  first  in  importancel 

I  have  heard  some  enthusiasts  say  that  if  you  desiro 
to  civmze  the  heathen  you  must  first  bring  them  under 
TelSous  subjection.    This  maybe  the  case  with  tho 
mos't  abject  and  suporstitious  of  the  fo-JS-^-f  J^' 
but  most  of  thorcl  found  at  ^^"^^'^'''f'^Zttolt 
alasl  too  numcrous-wcrc  not  only  indifferent  to  the 
tTpel  but  vicious  and  degraded  to  such  a  degree  that  I 
often  thought  nothing  less  than  a  mirax^le  from  heaven 
wSever  bring  them  under  the  influence  of  anything 
pi^us  or  elevating.    The  people  of  the  Northern  county 
Long  whom  I  was  to  spend  much  of  my  t;me  dunng 
mv  second  year,  were  perhaps  the  very  worst  class  of 
Xr   The  pr'evious  year  a  young  man  had  been  sent 
to  th"u  by  the  Conference,  but  he  went  among  them 
Tray  a  short  time,  being  glad,  as  I  was  afterwards  in- 


foni 

over 

soldi 

uiih 

botlc 

sequ 

mind 

I  wai 

had  I 

Is 

these 

the  t 

shoul 

cd  wl 

paid  ( 

of  th 

were  , 

inini.sl 

annua 

gospel 

and  dc 

still  dr 

army; 

shire  i 

dcprav 

womer 

I  wa 

nizc  su 

that  th 

their  c 

more  tl 

and  rat 

say,  liv: 

certain 

eluded  i 

subjecU 

Third. 


-L^,^,^;MMM*!i»b*af*' 


illc9,and  I  had 
[lust  say  that  I 
lut  few  of  them 
my  life,  many 
rcat  reward,  if 

different,  being 
?hcy  were  spent 
barbarous  class 

them  religion. 
8t  idea  of  what 
ling  that  more 
ms  in  particular 
cial  attention,  I 
jeyoud  the  truth 

descendants  at 
tered  in  variouh 
3  vile,  as  stupid, 
}  their  ignorant 
mwell.  Ohl  that 
)rtance! 

at  if  you  desire 
)ring  them  under 
10  case  with  tho 
foreign  heathen, 
md  they  arc  still, 
adifEerent  to  tho 
;h  a  degree  that  I 
•acle  from  heaven 
enca  of  anything 
I  Northern  county 
i  my  time  during 
ery  worst  class  of 
nan  had  been  sent 
ent  among  them 
ras  afterwards  in- 


OF  ▲  PltKAClIEn.  MM 

fonncd  to  escape  with  his  life.  As  it  was  known  how- 
ever,  that  I  had  had  some  rough  exp^noTco^Z: 
solchor  .t  was  thought  that  I  should  be  Tble  to  c«„tTud 
|vuh  d.  ncultie,  in  trying  to  deal  with  such  a  p  o,"o 
bettor  han  any  one  else  they  had  to  send,  and  I  S 
qucntly  found  out  that  it  required  all  the  atren'th  of 
n  n.l  and  body  which  I  possessed  to  let  them  know  ha 
I  was. lotto  be  intimidated  and  driven  away  as  othel^' 

I  shall  never  forget  the  first  Sabbath  I  spent  araon^ 

hose  barbarians,  for  I  could  call  them  nothin-.  eS 

Iho    ime    and  my  astonishment  that  so  vi  e°a  chsa 

hou  d  exist  ill  Christian  England,  could  not  b    oxceeT 

ilouL   ti?"='f  "'  """"^  —vhicuhX  L 
paid  out  of  the  exchequer  of  tJic  nation  for  tho  sunnort 

of  the  Established  Church,  the  large  amounts  wS 

were  regularly  subscribed  for  the  support  of  dTssentS 

"unisters  ami  preachers,  and  the  thousands  flJ^Si  werf 

annual  y  collected    in   Britain  for  the       read  of  tin 

gospel  in  distant  lands.   I  had  seen  much  o   the  pove^J; 

V    t^    '  '?'"  '™l'''*y  ""•'  wickedness  in  tho 

.  > my    bu  ,  m  proportion  to  their  numbers,  those  in  ho 

t^re^-rnotTh  •^''"f  1^''  '^  labor  ^ere  the  mo's 
Iwasatllrst  unable,  or  at  least  unwilling,  to  reco- 

at  the  veriest  pagans,  from  what  I  had  learned  of 
their  condition  socially  and  otherwise,  could  not  bo 
more  thoroughly  abject  than  the  squalid  impoverhhed 

Z  HvtJin  rr,  "* '''-'''"-  "^°^^' '  -^'^  "^-t 

say  living  in  the  lead  mines,  and  tho  coal  mines  of  a 
cor^amxXorthern  county  in  England,  and  who  wer'et! 
c.uded  among  tho  population  as  the  loyal  and  confon/.H 
s^ct.  Of  his  Christian  Majesty-Si:^::^^:^^ 


■Smmm^Xm^iaxiira^mmKm 


46 


11KMINISCENCK9 


It  was  growing  dusk  on  ii  Saturday  evening  towards 
the  end  of  Ausust,wlicn  1   found  myself  on  a  lomdy 
road  which  led  to  the  niiniuij;  district,  and  about  ten 
miles  from  the  little  market  town  in  which  was  the 
principal  chapel  of  this  remote  circuit.    I  had  been 
purposely  niirtdirocted  by  more   than  one  of  whom  I 
made  inquiries  as  to  the  right  way,  and  hud  to  travel 
round  about  some   miles,  thereby  causing  me  to  lose 
much  valuable  time.    Anyway  I  was  now  on  the  proper 
road,  for  I   knew  by  the  wild  moor,  as  well  as  by  the 
barren  and  desolate-looking  liills  in  the  distance,  that  I 
would  soon  be  at  my  destination,  and  I  had  hopes  that 
even  among  the  rough  miners,  though  much  liad  been 
said  against  them,  1  should  tind  some  that  would  give 
me  a  welcome  and  make  mc  as  comfortable  as  their  cir- 
cumstances permitted.    1  had  of  course  been  informed 
that  I  should  have  to  deal  with  a  very  mdc  set,  yet  I 
thought  that  some  consideration  for  a  friendly  stranger 
might  prompt  them  to  try  and  control  their  dislike  to  a 
new-comer,  ';specially  to   a  prcaclu^r,  until  they  had 
found  some  (air  excuse  for  exhibiting  a  contrary  feeling. 
1   was   awan    that  they  were  very  much  prejudiced 
against  us,  and  there  was  no  doubt  whatever  but  that 
an  insidious  enemy  had  poisoned  their  minds  against 
every  dissenting  teacher,  more  particularly  against  the 
followers  of  John  Wesley. 

While  thinking  of  my  altered  situation,  of  my  strange 
calling,  and  of  the  many  strange  and  sad  changes  which 
had  taken  place  within  the  last  few  years  of  my  life,  I 
was  suddenly  startled  from  my  reverie  by  the  sound  of 
a  rough  loud  voice  within  a  few  feet  of  me:  — 
"  Halloo!  stop!  What  brings  'ee  here?  " 
I  looked  hurriedly  around,  and  in  the  dim  light  I 
could  see  close  by  a  stout  barefooted  man  scowling  at, 
me  from  the  roadside.  He  was  squatted  on  a  large 
boulder,  and  was  almost  near  enough   to  touch   my 


horse's 

pipe   b( 

lu'.tvy-L 

nliich  w 

an  ajip.i 

out  s])ea 

(h\iw  Ira 

j,'Lon,  an 

liastily  ,1 

'•  "^Vha 

along  tJic 

TJiougl 

startled,  j 

easy,  off-1 

circunista 

"  Why, 

liigh  road. 

I'm  no  hi" 

"■'O'Jiiying 

I'.iss.   I  do 

•lark.    I  si] 

I  shall  have 

TJio  fami 

irritate  hin 

exclaimed,  i 

•iround:  "J 

much  uv  81 

linlher  oot 

'it'll;  and  if 

Ihocr." 

I  tried  to 

i^lillo  I  look 

"  ilh,  and  coi 

I  "lo  only  rou; 

(lireals  woull 

I  iJiough  not  in 


ij.*-^-*s3i%iieM^^KS'-^»r«*fc^*fi^  *^'"'- 


i,ivao»s&»s:'^lB^P*i«*»****'*^'' 


^4^»;^s^^ti^;»«$e<^#^^^3'°^<^^i*'^^^^^>''^*^^   ' 


ling  towards 
on  ii  lonnly 
(1  about  ten 
ich  vviia  Iho 

I  luid  been 
of  whom  I 

iiul  to  travel 
me  to  lose 

II  the  proper 
11  as  by  the 
lance,  that  I 
1  hopes  that 
■h  had  been 
t  would  give 
I  as  their  cir- 
!en  informed 
do  set,  yet  I 
idly  stranger 
r  dislike  to  a 
til  they  had 
tnvry  feeling. 
Ix  prejudiced 
!vcr  but  that 
liuds  against 
y  against  the 

if  ray  sti'ange 
langcs  which 
of  ray  life,  I 
the  sound  of 


dim  light  I 
1  scowling  at, 
1  on  a  large 
to  touch   my 


Pip'''belween  "ri'l""  '''"'/.'«  ^'«''>  »  «hort  black 
"-vy-bearded  face  ^  ''  lil^  ","^™''^  '^'^  ^^ 
""'•"  -as  most  (orUl!lZ,Z2^'''  "?"''^''  "^"-"^ 

""«  Hpoakiug,  when  sprin.i       "     1  ^'''  l"'^'"'-'"^^  -itli- 
•i'•'^^^-  iron,  under  his  L.;'}"  /"."''''"'  ^'"  ««^  ho 

t^^«n,aud  assumed  a  tLaui/.?"'''  li«:tvy  blud- 

I'aslily.ieraandcd:-     ''''^'"^"'n^'  «tt,tude.    Ho  again 
"•  What  brings  'eo  here?    AV,.'n   i  . 

•''"".^'tJiese  parts."  ^^"^  °  ^«'«  ««  highivaymen 

Though,    as   I  have  sii.I    t 

^"•rtJed,  I  was  now  sufHc',:    j/j"'  "K^"'^  ^"•"^'what 

•■.■>\v,  off-hand  way.-the     "V    ?' '"^    '■'^'•""  '"  «° 
'i'-cumstances.—   '  ''^  ""^^  ^  "'ought  under  the 

"  Why,  what's  the  m-.((r.^  r  ■      , 
f'^'hroad.    Don't'irsrn";"''   T''^ '^ '"'' ^-%"« 
'"•"«l'ishwayman;  if      J^w  r"  ''"^ '^'•""^''t  me? 
"•^Olaying  me  this  'way?    c^m        "'"  '  *"  "'''  ^'^^  ^^^ 
i;"«f-   I<lon'tintendtoi„,iST';'^'"^^^^^ 
''•••■•k.    I  «hall  renuun  cW  bv  h    '' ^"'•'^.'•''•5  '"«^'ctti„g 
I  ^hall  have  some  good  n   v  1  L, l       "'^"'''  '"^"^  ™'»3^bo 

The  famiJiar  wa3' iu  whir  1  J"''  t"-«'orrow." 
•'•'•''-te  him,  and,'sc"zh  r  '  .  T^"'"  '''P^^'"'-^"''  only  to 
--^'aimed,  loud  eno™' «  be  h?' , '^  ''''  ^"'"^^^^ 
around:  "  D— „  yoifand  vo  "  ,  ,  ""'  ««">«  distance 
'""f  uv  such  chaps  r;,;"'^  'r'  '?  '"^^^'^  ^o^ 
"iJJ'er  oot  o' this,  not  VZa  unf~~'    ''^'  ^°  "« 

;;a.r-'-^-anyi:;i:;::::--^;joto 

-flt;ralS:^-^^^<^-«erted  as  possible 
,  ""b' «n^I  could  I  be  assured  nf/h      "'""  ^  ^ad  to  deal 


'.! 


m 


48 


llEMINISCENCES 


i 


s  • 


illiiir 


I 

III  111 


11 


!WlilllL_-.  _-.- 


proceed  cautiously  and  hv.  careful  of  what  I  said  to  n 
na-kless,  «oini-iivillzed  man,  who  ini-hl  not  hcailiitc  to 
do  me  or  my  horHi-  some  injury. 

♦'  There,  that's  a  «ood  fellow,  now  please  let  go  and 
allow  me  to  pass  on." 

Instead  of  loosing  his  hold  of  the  hridle,  he  clutched 
It  ti'^hler,  and  with  a  (luiek  tu^',  as  if  to  snap  the  hit,  or 
the  leather,  he  caused   the  horse  to  rear.     Ihit  1  kept 
my  seat,  and  then  applying;  the  spurs,  the  horse  shied, 
and  the  despera<lo  was  pulled  to  the  ground  on  his  face. 
Quickly  Hi)rin-ing  up,  ho  aimed  iv  blow  at  me  which  I 
happily  avoided,  and  then  his  oaths  and  threats  were 
terrible,    lie  still  held  on  to  the  reina,  and  I  spoke  to 
him  again  and  made  another  uusucecssfivl  attempt  to 
get  away,  but  as  I  found  that  something  more  than 
mere  self-defence  was  jiccessary,  I  hesitated  no  longer, 
but  partly  following  the  example  of  another  preacher  I 
ha^l  read  of,  I  clutched  my  whip  llrmly  and  struck  hun 
with  the  thick  end  across  the  head. 

Seeing  that  the  smart  blow  rather  staggered  hun,  I 

applicd'the  spurs  again  aud  was  on  the  point  of  getting 

away,  when  another  rullian  as  desperate-looking  as  tho 

arst  confronted  me.    lie  had  heard  the  loud  imprcca^ 

lions  and  ran  towards  us.    I  now  saw  hini  stoop,  and 

with  ft  deci)  curse  he  hurled  a  large  stone  at  mc.    13y 

leaning  aside  a  little,  I  fortunately  escaped  what  might 

have  caused  mo  a  very  serious,  if  not  a  fatal  wound; 

but  my  horse  sulTered.    One  of  his  ears  was  split  open 

nearly  its  entire  length.    The  blood  quickly  streamed 

along"  his  neck  and  down  his  head,  and.  being  greatly 

fri<drteued,  he  reared  and  plunged  to  such  a  degree  that 

I  was  hurriedly  obliged  to  dismount.    It  was  fortunate 

I  did  so.    He  cantered  off  at  once,  and  I  was  left  to 

struggle  as  best  I  could  with  two  brutal  men,  who,  1 

felt  satislied,  would  not  hesitate  in  their  present  excited  | 

and  angry  condition  to  take  my  life. 


-IT  va;^--»i-s:««s.;5»&iS«®«ffBf*>'»»*««*******' 


As! 

I  liiid  I 

111  nil  ri 

Ciirriftl 

the   lid 

Ihoiigh 

•  liscipli 

service, 

I  had  si 

follower 

The  oiil 

whip,  111 

!;MU'e,  I 

'ififoro  I; 

another 

Scarce 

^'''asj)  of 

lae,  bind 

alilo   (,) 

'•lec,  and 

^ii-i  teeth 

a  inomen 

l)e  hold  at 

struck  do' 

"ly  antag( 

:ind  I  had 

iiuil  proba 

treated  or 

ii^Miiist  mc 

ever,  but  11 

'lit  him  in 

his  hold  re: 

I  struck  him 

I  was  jus 

I  incaos  tho  1 

'"g  quite  n< 


lat  I  Hnl<l  to  n 
not  hesitate  to 

ilciise  lut  go  and 

idle,  ho  clutched 
Hnap  the  hit,  or 
•ur.  lUit  1  kept 
the  horse  Hhicd, 
lund  on  his  face. 
V  lit  inc  which  1 
iiid  threats  were 
»,  and  I  spoke  to 
jaafivl  attempt  to 
hing  more  than 
tatcd  no  lonj,'cr, 
lother  preacher  I 
y  and  struck  him 

staggered  him,  I 

point  of  getting 
itc-looking  as  the 
10  loud  imprcca- 
r  him  stoop,  and 
Htouc  at  mo.  13y 
aped  what  might 
t  a  fatal  wound; 
ars  was  split  open  I 

quickly  streamed 
and.  being  greatly 
uch  a  degree  that 

It  was  fortunate 
ivnd  I  was  left  to 
rutal  men,  who,  1 1 
>ir  present  excited  I 


OK  A  rnKAClIER.  .„ 

40 

"■■■■■■  7.>-'»" -."th  ; ;  ;r:;;:,':',i;;;:i''^'""-'^ 

.-poftlu,X    urr";Ly"'"'^"'^^^'^-•'- 
"'''•'  <•>  use   them.     Hi.  /  '7    ,.'.'''"''"' '"'^  ""' 

'- teeth  kvin'  ^s^;;r/';''  "I'^""'"^  '°  '^''^ '"'^ 
'^■"omenttolosc  1Z  P  "'^  """•  '^'''^--^  "'as  „o 
''0  hold  as  it  were  in  vis  ' •?","'"""  '"•^'^^•"'  ''""'^'y.  «-• 
«>.uck  .lowu  rl  un  .,  ["  '^''^  ""'"  ^'"^  "'"l.'"  i  had 
'"y  antagonist,  bu„'l,f  I'  '''^^^'"«'^-  I  tried  to  trip 
=""lIh^l,au4todoto  k^  too  wary  of  my  attempts, 
-'  P-bably  hi/dln^  me  S.  "1  "?  ""•"^"'"  '- 
'■•oatedormurdered^tTlurc  ii?:"  ]  ^«"l'"^o  mal- 
"^Min.t  ,ae,  no  doubt  w  I     i  ^"  ''''''"'"-'?  '''^avily 

ovc.Nbuta[onc    witVTpo^^^^^^^^  "'  '^^'«"".'?  •»« 

'"■^ ''"»  i"  tlie  stomach     HoT  ^"'"^'  ^^  '"^^ ''»''''  I 

I'i^  I'old  relaxed  ,^?f  w        -'"^  '""^^'Ji^tcly  disabled, 

i--bima:'iir::K:f^xtr«--"'^ 


l'SMJ!*-ft^v,;..i^  -_ 


w,  KEMINI9CENCE8 

„,cn  and  women,  tho  latter  like    the  veriest  fun«s 
wi,.it  WIS  I  to  do?    A  shower  of  stonos  fell  alout  me, 
Te    f'vlih^^^^^^^^  heavily  in  the  breast        most 

"TDaumun^what's-ee  been  aaoiu-  to  oor  m"«''; 
yelled  a  powerful  looki-s  '"l""'- S'"""  "!  "  ""I"," 

have  It;  we'll  take  sumraal  better  an' not  be  f'T' 
r,  oi  bailee,  or  .^_e. ,^-d  U.  ,„ ,-- J"",: 
^'"""    r.'br"llow  rked  bU  band  ^aln,    "See, 


« 


the  veriest  furies. 
tonos  fell  about  me, 

tlic  breast,.  I  most 
I  come,  anil  I  liastily 
her  stone  then  strucls 
le  moment  unable  to        i 

I,  they  will  make  an 
vildest,  dreariest,  and 

was  I  almost  in  the 
,e  to  help  or  save,  in 
set— it  might  be  far 
equal  number  of  un- 
(vho  were  apparently 
r  or  mercy  for  man  or 

doiu'  to  oor  mates? " 
,  giving  me  a  blow  on 
ons,  men  and  women, 
own   and   holding  me 
lum  un,  what's  'ce  bin 
I,  and  he  was  about  to 
or  two  of  the  women 
in  be.    What's  the  use, 
urscd  carcase?    Let  un 
;r  an'  not  be  afeard  o' 
law  in  mornin'.    Don't 
1  'ee?"   exclaimed   the 
lis  hand  again.    "See, 
I  she  quickly  pulled  out 
e  seen.    This  seemed  to 
le  tried  to  snatch  it  from 
ide  his  grasp.    Another 
then  twisted  my  necker- 
tion  of  choking  me,  but 
g  that  it  was  silk,  some- 
e  and  almost  unknown  to 


OF  A  PnEAClIEB. 


n 


the  greater  number  of  these  people,  his  wrath  seemed 
to  liave  been  almost  suddenly  ai)pca3ed,  for  he  started 
off  with  It,  and  a  shilling  or  two  he  took  from  my 
pocket,  followed  at  once  by  a  woman  who  begged  for  a 
share  of  the  booty. 

It  was  quite  useless  for  mo  to  make  the  least  attempt 
at  resistance.    Had  I  done  so,  a  number  of  dangerous 
blows  would  most  likely  have  followed.    I  lay  as  still  as 
I  could  and  let  them  plunder.    While  in  this  condition 
I  heard  the  two  men  whom  I  had  at  first  encountered 
now  loudly  demanding  to  finish  me,  as  they  said,  and 
tear  me  limb  from  limb.    Of  course  I  gave  myself  up 
for  lost,  and  found  my  ideas  already  becoming  con- 
tused.    As  I  lay  I  was  powerloes,  and  only  expected 
that  after  having  torn  off  my  clothes  and  taken  anythin<» 
of  httle  or  much  value  they  could  find,  I  should  be  un° 
mercifully  despatched  by  the  two  brutes  from  whom  I 
had  previously  succeeded  in  escaping.   They  would  soon 
have  me  in  their   .jower,  and  that  would  be  the  end  of 
my  earthly  probation. 

Just  then  another  voice  reached  my  ear,  an  excited 
voice,  one  strangely  different  from  the  others;  one 
whose  hurried  tones  caused  those  about  mo  to  pause 
and  listen,  and  then  there  came  from  the  wild  set  a 
muttering  sound  and  mdo  expressions  of  dissatisfaction 
at  being  disturbed. 

"  Oh  I  ye  unfortunate  people  1"  said  the  voice,  "  what 
are  ye  doing?    For  God's  sake,  let  there  not  be  another 
murderl    Oh!  Kelso,  Ned  Kclsol   what  a  time  for  you 
to  be  out,  and  what  work  for  you  to  be  at,  whUe  your 
old  mother  is  lying  on  her  death-bed  1"    The  man  who 
first  assaulted  me  now  ran  off  when  he  heard  the  words 
but  the  voice  continued:  "I  know  ye  all,  and  will  give  - 
every  name  to  the  bailiffs  to-morrow  if  ye  attempt  to 
take  hfel    Come,  Simon,  helpl  help!  help!  " 
A  redeeming  angelin  the  form  of  a  panting  woman 


*i 


•***«-'«^*Niya»*C.;L.iiMMi;i;&.4v. 


^  Vi,m?Kt*,.v-;s:*-vJj£&ia»*-sii*iii;,-„ft.,  ..*i'a*i»,*ajet«-.-. 


-g  .    hemisiscekces 

r„,he,l  nm»n?  lho,o  »rou>.<l  m».    It  was  too  .lark  to  s»e 

orlyon     ,1,0  l„t».,...u»  S«„S  «olc  a,vay,a,„U«a. 
Mt\vou,>.lcd  ana  bteaiiig  »itU  ,»y  ,lcl,vc™"- 


I 


ClIAlTEll  IX. 

AMONG  KNGLISII  SAVAGES. 

I  was  soon  on  my  feet  again.    My  reseuers  expressed 

1  was  soon  J  female,    mleed  I  might 

grcatsynni^w        n    .      1   c  f         ^^^^^^^^^   .^^^.^^^^^ 

h7r    "    eh    Iva^        pavtieular  iuher  h^auincs 
i^whofher  I  felt  myself  mueh  in  ure.l,  and  she 
Letrd  to  ie  eKeeeclinglygnvtined  when  I  assured 
he^^t  I  had  only  a  few  slight  cuts  and  some  seratches 
\  \Li  u  was   only  those   which   caused  so  much 
"i        c  ve7.ny7;i,  hands,  and  clothes.    The  ™.n 
who  accompanied  her  was  apparently  a  ^ough,  hone 
mVner  one  who,  I  subsequently  learned,  had  ^^  tl    his 
Z  Iv  been  turned  from  the  evil  of  his  ways  mamly  by 
refforts'and  example  of  this  good  woman;  and  he 
was  cnuallv  pleased  that  I  had  escaped  so  we  1. 

It  aDUO-ired  that  when  my  horse  ran  away  he  went  ou 
i„  iXl  as  it  were,  towards  the  first  house  he  sa^^ 
.ud  this  was  the  humble  abode  ot  S.mon  Blair.  There 
^hcv  secured  the  animal  in  a  little  shed,  and  when  hey 
stw  him  ut  and  bleeding,  they  knew  by  ^1-  -^ J-^^^ 
hit  it  was  the  horse  of  the  new  preacher  then  e:.- 


t 
I 
t 
r 
I 
r 
\ 

V 

f, 

M 
C 
fl 


o  dark  to  see 
luled  I'kc  Ihe 
II,  the  person 
m,  fully  able 
,  Init,  strange 
f  his  services, 
ay,  and  1  was 
•crs. 


icrs  expressed 
idced  I  might 
iner  indicated 
I  her  inquiries 
ured,  and  she 
hen  I  assured 
(omc  scratches, 
lused  so  much 
ics.    The  man 

rough,  honest 
.,  had  with  his 
ways  mainly  by 
j^oman;  and  he 
10  well. 

way  he  went  ou 
it  house  ho  saw, 
in  Blair.    There 

and  when  they 
f  the  saddlc-bf^s 
ireacher  then  cx- 


Or  A  PREACHER.  H& 

pected.  Mrs.  Edgar,  fho  nearest  neighbor,  was  quick- 
ly inforncd  of  what  waa  suspected.  It  was  at  her  house 
that  any  preacher  who  canio,  generally  reraiiined  over 
night  or  during  any  short  periodical  stay  lie  might  make 
when  visiting  that  part  of  the  circuit;  and  fearins;  that 
an  assault  had  been  mada  on  the  stranger,  she  had 
ruslied  oil"  at  once  with  Simon,  and  guided  by  the  dis- 
tant voices  and  shouts  of  my  assailants,  liad  arrived  per- 
haps just  in  time  to  save  me. 

How  thankful  I  felt  after  I  had  washed  and  had  bits 
of  plaster  applied  to  my  cuts,  and  how  comparatively 
comfortable  when  seated  among  a  few  kind  friends  at 
the  supper  table!  I  enjoyed  the  meal  after  my  fears 
ond  struggles,  and  before  retiring,  I,  wit  h  grateful  im- 
pulse, made  a  fervent  prayer  for  God's  further  protec- 
tion, for  his  kindest  blessings  on  those  who  had  so  no- 
bly aided  rac,  and  for  his  mercy  and  converting  grace  on 
the  unregcncrate  people  who  had  so  wantonly  ill-used 
me;  and  grateful  for  my  unexpected  rescue— verily,  I 
believed  a  Providential  delivc  v  o,  I  slept  soundly  that 
night,  and  rose  early  ncx;  .i.  lirg  refreshed  and 
vigorous. 

Mrs.  Edgar,  my  kind  hostess,  -.yet  quite  a  young 
woman,  and  rather  good  looking.  Indeed  were  it  not 
for  her  sad,  submissive  expression  of  face,  premature 
wrinkles,  and  occasional  harassed  look,  she  might  be 
called  handsome.  She  was  not  a  tall  person,  yetVace- 
fulin  form  and  outline;  and  her  manner  and  appear- 
ance were  nmch  in  her  favor.  But,  poor  woman,  she 
seemed  to  have  had  lier  own  cares,  and,  no  doubt,  had 
troubles  of  the  most  weighty  kind.  They  came  early  in 
life,  for  she  already  wore  a  widow's  cap  and  a  dark  dress, 
and  with  the  exception  of  a  prattUng  child,  a  little 
daughter  just  trying  to  walk,  she  appeared  to  have  none 
of  her  own  kind  near  her;  for  the  wild  miners  of  the 
district,  although  possessed  of  huinau  forms,  might  for 


w'l! 


M 


REMNiaCENCM 


many  reasons  bo  looked  upon  as  belonging  to  a  far  dif- 
ferent race  altogether.  Besides,  it  strucic  mo  that  if  she 
hivd  any  means  at  her  tUsposal  they  must  be  very  unit- 
ed, else  she  certainly  would  not  try  to  eke  out  a  hvmg 
in  such  a  place  and  among  such  a  people.  Any  way  I 
thought  that  in  the  hard  struggle  for  life  hero  she  would 
havc°grey  hairs  long  before  her  usual  time. 

The  house,  the  best  to  bo  seen  for  miles,  was  an  old, 
low,  brick  structure  partly  renovated,  and  it  looked  as  if 
but  recently  made  again  habitable.    There  were  four 
rooms  on  the  first  tloor,  one  of  these  was  used  as  a 
kitchen,  and  the  upper  part  of  the  dwelling  was  parti- 
tioned into  two  rooms  with  inclined  ceilings  correspond- 
iu-  to  the  pitch  of  t?.e  roof.    All  of  these  were  but 
scantily  furnished.    I  occupied  one  of  the  upper  apar  - 
ments.    It  was  lighted  by  a  little  dormer  window  with 
patched  iianes,  from  which  there  was  a  most  desolate 
view,  and  from  it  could  be  seen,  far  across  the  moor  iii 
the  dis'auce,  a  number  of  huts,  evidently  the  squalid 
abodes  of  the  minei-s.    Mrs.  Edgar  and  her  child,  with 
an  old  man  and  his  wife,  were  the  usual  occupants  of 
this  unattractive  tenement. 

My  first  care  when  I  got  outside   again  in  the  niorn- 

in- was  to  look  more  carefully  after  ray  horse.     With 

the  exception  of  his  badly-cut  ear  lie  seemed  to  be  all 

ri.dit.    We  clipped  the  hair  from  about  the  wound  and 

bound  plaster  on  it  the  best  way  wo  could,  and  as  he 

had  a  good  shelter  and  plenty  of  hay,  he  would  be,  to 

all  appearance,  fit  to  travel  again  as  soon  as  required^ 

My  saddle  did  not,  however,  get  of!  so  well.     It  had 

'    been  left  in  a  little  porch  outside  the  shed  door,  and 

sometime  during  the  night  it  had  been  cut  in  several 

places,  one  of  the  skirts  having  been  nearly  torn  off; 

and  the  bridle  as  well  as  the  girths  could  not  be  found 

Pinion,  no  doubt  accustomed  to  a.-ts  of  this  kind,  said 

but  little.    He  might  have  made  a  good  guess  as  to  who 


\ 


to  a  far  dlf- 

lo  thai  if  she 

0  very  limit- 
out  a  living 

Any  way  I 
ro  she  would 

,  was  an  old, 
L  looked  as  if 
re  v/crc  four 
:i8  used  as  a 
ng  was  parti- 
s  corrcsponil- 
esc  were  but  - 

upi)er  apart- 
window  with 
most  desolate 

the  moor  in 
■  the  squalid 
er  child,  with 
occupants  of 

1  in  the  morn- 
horse.  With 
inied  to  be  all 
he  wound  and 
lid,  and  as  ho 

2  would  be,  to 
\  as  required, 
well.  It  had 
hed  door,  and 
cut  in  several 
early  torn  off; 
not  be  found, 
this  kind,  said 
;uess  as  to  who 


OF  A  PREACnEB.  fg; 

the  perpetrators  were,  but  ho  kept  his  mind  to  himself 
and  merely  said  he  would  try  and  liavc  (lie  saddle  "lixed 
oop  a  bit,  an  to'thcr  thins  wi'  th'  wootcli  may  coom  wi 
seekin  f ur ! "  AVell,  thought  I,  taking  the  matter  as  I 
could,  I  shall  only  have  to  submit  for  a  time.  Simon  may 
find  the  girths  and  bridle,  they  arc  not  of  much  value, 
but  as  for  ray  watch,  I  give  that  up  as  lost,  they  will 
never  return  that. 

"  Moastur,  iv  I  wur  'ec,"  said  Simon  in  his  North 
country  dialect,  "  I  wud  nur  go  fur  from  t' hoos;  they 
be  dreeadful  bad  aboot hcer— they  bin."  "Oh!  I  won't 
go  far,"  said  I  in  reply,  ♦'  I  shall  try  and  keep  clear  of 
such  rough  customers  as  I  came  across  last  evening." 

It  being  yet  early,  perhaps  an  hour  or  so  before  break- 
fast, I  felt  a  curiosity  to  look  around,  and  I  turned  my 
steps  towards  the  low  huts  inhabited  by  the  miners,  and 
no  doubt  by  such  outlaws  as  could  live  among  them  in 
comparative  safety  to  follow  almost  with  impunity  their 
vicious  and  felonious  propensities.     For  if  oven  some 
terrible  outrage  were  committed— a  matter  of  frequent 
occurrence— no  single  officer  of  justice  would  like  to 
venture  among  them,  and,  if  an  arrest  were  even  made, 
a  conviction  was  next  to  impossible,  as  it  would  be  cer- 
tain that,  if  necessary,  almost  one  and  all  would  swear 
a  thousand  oaths  to  clear  a  culprit;  for,  unscrupulous 
as  they  might  be  in  this  respect,  no  magistrate  would 
feel  at  liberty  to  refuse  the  testimony  of  even  nominal 
Christians.    However,  should  any  confederate,  or  any 
stranger  or  Intruder,  give  such  evidence  as  would  cause 
the  law  to  bo  triumphant,  the  sooner  he  made  his  es- 
cape from  the  district  the  better  for  himself,  as  nearly 
the  whole  vindictive  and  dangerous  community  would 
seek  revenge,  and  be  on  the  watch  for  the  first  oppor- 
tunity to  injure  the  person  or  property  of  him  who  ven- 
tured or  dared  to  interfere  in  behalf  of  justice. 
As  I  looked  about  me  a  more  desolate  place  it  would 


5« 


11EMIKI8CENCE8 


be  hard  to  discover.      Thou-h  the  sun  waff  Irylns  to 
Bhinc,  (.r  to  peuetrato  the  fo-  and  miasmatic  vapors 
which  seemed  to  be  hero  as  it  were  in  ambush,  the 
aspect    of    the    scene    around    was    most    depressing?. 
Towards  tlie  norlli  there  was  a  dim  line  of  su  l.-n  Inlls, 
but  inllie  Ion-  dreary  waste  l)etwcen  them  and  where  I 
stood,  bare  rocks,  raised  a  foot  or  two  above  the  sur- 
face, could  hero  and  there  be  seen  gating,  one  might 
ima-ine,  with  blank,  worn,  and  impassible  faces  at  the 
dulUky;  rough  hoary  boul.lers  were  spread  around  as 
if  they  were  the  scattered  fragments  of  some  cxp  odcd 
world;  while  the  few  stunted,  withered-looking  shrubs 
that  tried  to  force  from  the  impoverished  soil  the  scanti- 
est nutriment,  looke.l  like  a  progeny  of  deformed  starve- 
lin-'s  clinging  for  sustenance  to  the  empty  breasts  of  a 
dead    mother.     Not   a   tree,  not  a  stream,   not   the 
simplest  wild-flowor,  scarcely  even  a  blade  of   grass 
could    be    seen    to    enliven  the   cyo,  -  while  around 
some  stagnant  pool,  weeds,  ^^-'"'^1''^'  ^"^'"';^^?  "J: 
poaredtogrow  in  profusion,  leaving  the  whole  ste.de 
lound  place  to  look  like    the  haunt  of  poverty  and 
wretchedness. 

Early  however  as  it  was  this  placid  Sunday  mornmg, 
there  were  already  sad  evidences  that  but  few  indeed 
re.^arded  it  as  a  day  of  rest  in  the  proper  sense  but  only 
as°one  which  would  afford  a  greater  opportunity  for  in- 
dulcin-  in  the  vicious  and  debasing  propensities  of 
n^^cred  and  brutalized  human  beings  It  was  evi- 
dently the  day  beyond  all  others  in  which  a  degraded 
Ss  of  native  British  felt  that  a  time  of  license  to  pam- 
per and  indulge  the  grossest  animal  passions  and  desires 

LlsomewayVi"  -turned;  -'^^''T  fo^ret  ious 
least  idea  that  the  Sabbath  was  set  apart  for  religious 
seie,  or  th'^t  there  was  anything  spiritual  or  secular 
connec  ed  with  its  appointment,  or  that  there  was  ev  r 
a  law  to  coudcma  its  desecration,  free  liccuso  was  given 


trj'Inp!  to 
tic  vapors 
bush,  the 
Liprcssiiii;. 
illcu  hills, 
(1  whciM  I 
Q  the  sur- 
ono  mi,!;;ht 
CCS  at  the 
around  as 

exploded 
ng  shrubs 
the  scanti- 
ticd  starvc- 
rcasls  of  a 
,  not  the 
3  of  grass 
lie  around 
nettles  ap- 
liolo  sterile 
loverty  and 

ly  morning, 
few  indeed 
se,  but  only 
.uiity  for  in- 
pensitiea  of 
It  was  cvi- 
a  degraded 
;nse  to  para- 
i  and  desires 
scarcely  tho 
[or  religious 
d  or  secular 
ere  was  ever 
so  was  given 


OF   A   PKEACIIER. 


m 


to  every  wicked  impulse,  Tlie  profanation  of  this  par- 
ticular day  WM  a  matter  of  regular  recurrence,  and  the 
raoMt  shocking  scenes  of  inteinp(>rancc,  brutality,  beast- 
liness, and  sensuality,  I  hii<l  been  told,  could  hero  be 
witnessed  in  their  most  disgusting  forms,  almost  regu- 
larly every  Sunday.  On  its  return,  few  iu  this  beuiglUed 
place  could  say: — 

"  In  lioly  duties  lot  tho  day, 
In  holy  comforts  pass  away ; 
How  sweet  a  Sabbath  thus  to  spend 
Iu  hopes  of  one  that  ne'er  shall  oud!  " 

I  believe  in  the  day  of  rest.  As  an  advocate  of  social 
improvement,  I  believe  in  its  legal  appointment,  but  I 
by  no  means  bclioyc  that  it  would  bo  more  pleasing  to 
the  Alnughty  tliat  it  should  be  kept  in  as  stern  and  as 
gloomy  a  manner  as  the  Puritans  were  wont  to  observe 
it.  Indeed,  even  they,  and  the  strict  Sabbatarians  of  that 
time,  were  to  some  extent  less  rigorous  than  some  of 
our  more  modern  teachers;  for  it  is  well  known  that 
the  statute  passed  to  gratify  Puritan  demands  "  for  the 
better  observance  of  the  Sabbath,"  allowed  the  people, 
after  their  attendance  at  church,  certain  "  lawful  sports 
and  pastimes,"  while  at  present  many  of  the  stricter 
sects  insist  that  all  Sunday  recreation  is  an  offence 
against  the  moral  law,  and  a  sin,  and  that  the  poor, 
overworked  toilers  in  crowded,  unhealthy  places  during 
six  days  of  the  week,  who  claim  to  bo  allowed  a  portion 
of  tho  serenth  day  to  visit  parks,  museums,  and  art 
galleries,  should  be  met  with  a  prompt  denial;  and  also 
that  the  law  should  be  so  framed  as  to  prohibit  any  such 
"  sinful  indulgence." 

Against  such  restrictions  I  would  offer  my  humble 
protest.  Luther,  Calvin,  Baxter,  Bnnyan,  and  many 
other  religious  teachers  since  their  time,  favored  rea- 
sonable bodily  recreation  on  the  Lord's  Day,  nor  did 
they  consider  that  by  so  doing  tho  Sabbath  would  be  in 
any  danger  of  being  desecrated  or  overlooked;  and,  as 


il  nr.MlNI9CENCH>9 

a  lover  Of  that  favorite  .lay,  I  would  Bubrait  that  if  wo 
wish  to  make  the  Sabbath  more  welcome  to  all    ct  us 
ia  connection  with  its  pious  associatious,  have  it  Imktd 
m  the  memory  with  sunlight  and  the  blue  sky,  with 
green  Oelds  and  trees,  with  llowcrs  and  running  streams, 
and  with  every  other  natural  object  that  can  impress 
the  mind  with  the  beauties  and  glories  of  the  creation 
Thcso  are  the  mild  preachers  that  are  often  the  llrst  to 
reach  the  heart.   There  is  too  much  toiling  among  men; 
there  is  too  much  severe  drudgery  in  the  world.    And 
I  favor  the  idea  that,  apart  from  a  day  being  dedicated 
solely  to  the  Lor<l,  it  would  be  well  for  all  should  some 
other  portion  of  time  be  secured  to  afford  rest  and 
recreation  for  overwrought  human  beings,  as  wi-.U  aa  tor 
the  toiling  animals  under  their  control. 

"Don't  'ce  bcaat  mel  don't  'ee  beaat  mc,  again, 
faythurl-Oh!  don't  'cc!  "  cried  a  child-like  voice  from 
out  of  the  middle  of  a  thick  lot  of  brambles. 

Durin-  my  reflections,  I  had  unconsciously  wandered 
to  this  spot,  and  here  beneath  my  eyes  was  a  pitiable 
sight.    A  little  girl,  bruised,  cut,  scratched,  and  bleed- 
in!  appeared  to  be  hiding  herself  among  the  thorns 
and  briers.    She  crouched  at  my  approach,  and  again 
pleaded  not  to  be  beaten.    She  was  not  more  than  half- 
clothed.    Her  head  and  feet  were  bare,  and  she  was 
trembling  with  fear  lest  there  should  be  a  repetition  of 
the  brutal  treatment  which  she  had  evidently  received. 
u  What's  the  matter,  child,  what's  the  matter?    Look 
up,  I  won't  hurt  you."    Hearing  a  strange  voice,  she 
ventured  after  a  moment  or  two  to  turn  her  face  towardB 
me.    Then,  with  a  frightened  expression,  she  looked 
cautiously  from  side  to  side,  then  around  her,  and  then 

**  "w^^Wn  'ec?  "  asked  she  in  a  low  voice,  as  if  afraid 
of  beln-  heard.  "  Who  bin  'ee?  Dinnot  'ee  let  un  bang 
me  again,"  said  she,  looking  once  more  around. 


PM«-i**l"#*cJ>*^l"'* 


3i 


that  If  wo 

)  all,  let  119, 
ve  it  linked 

0  sky,  with 
ing  streams, 
can  impress 
he  creation. 

1  the  first  to 
imong  men; 
vorld.  And 
ag  dedicated 
should  some 
)rd  rest  and 
IS  wt'.U  08  for 

t  mc,  again, 
Le  voice  from 

sly  wandered 
as  a  pitiable 
1,  and  bleed- 
ig  the  thorns 
ih,  and  again 
ore  than  half- 
,  and  she  was 
I  repetition  of 
ntly  received, 
latter?    Look 
nge  voice,  she 
r  face  towards 
n,  she  looked 
her,  and  then 

06,  as  if  afraid 
ee  let  un  bang 
round. 


OF  A  PHKACIIER.  f^ 

"Don't  ho  afraid,"  I  said,  trying  to  rc-assuro  her. 

no  one  shall  hurt  you.  Hut  tell  mc  what's  (he  mat- 
tcr?    Why  are  you  here  in  such  a  place?" 

I  stooped  and  offered  her  my  hand  to  assist  her  in 
getting  free  from  the  thorns.  While  she  yet  liesitated 
to  avail  lierself  of  the  opportunity  for  escape,  I  noticed 
that  one  of  her  middle  tlngers  had  been  taken  off  at  the 
second  joint,  and  I  had  the  curiosity  at  the  momont  to 
ask  her  how  she  had  lost  it. 

"  He  bit  un  off,  'ee  did,"  she  replied,  whUo  she  stUl 
continued  crying. 

"  What?  your  father?  " 
"  Oyc,  faythur!  " 

"  Horrid  brute  I"  I  exclaimed,  "  why  did  he  do  such  a 
thing?" 

Heavy  tramping  was  now  heard  close  by,  and  a  man 
made  his  appearance,-a  dirty,  staggering,  brutal-look- 
ing  fellow,  who  had  been  searching  around  to  discover 
this  child,  in  order,  no  doubt,  to  give  her  further  abuse. 
The  girl  now  managed  to  get  quickly  out  of  the  bram- 
bles, and  she  stood  behind  holding  me  by  the  coat,  and 
keeping  me  between  her  and  the  rufllau  whom  she 
called  her  father. 

"  What's  the  matter?  "  I  demanded.  "  What,  do  you 
want?  "  I  asked,  scowling  upon  him  as  ho  stood  close 
to  us,  even  within  my  reach. 

"  W'aats  th'  matter  'ee  ask,"  replied  the  fellow,"  re- 
peating my  words.  "  W'aats  that  to  'ee?  W'aat  dost 
'ee  w'aant  heer?    Off  wi'  'ee." 

He  tried  to  grab  the  girl,  but  she  evaded  him,  while 
she  cried  again,  "OhI  faythur!  don't  'ee,  don't  'eel" 
and  then  I  saw  that  ho  held  in  one  of  his  hands  my 
saddle  girths  doubled  and  twisted,  the  large  buckles 
hanging  down,  having  evidently  been  already  used  to 
cut  and  mark  the  tender  back  and  shoulders  of  the  poor 
trembling  girl  at  my  side. 


QQ  11EMINI8CENCE6 

uy„u  «hanH  touch  lu-r  a.aini"  I  .vlmo«t  nhoutc.!, 
with  "LlL'  of  in.li,'uaru.n.  "  If  you  wtc  >v  ma  ■  >oU 
:'o  I    ic  a.,,;me.l  of  what  you  have  ah-.uly  done   ' 

,..„•..   an.l   rushin-pastimshiMnadca  kickal  liio    lu, 

;nh:;s:rwara:io«thoh,o.to«.no^^^^^^^ 

«lruck  her  with  his  heavy  iron-boun-l  boot  """»^'^"^'y 
Z,o.  the  «»un  to  cause  the  Uood  tx>  -'-    ^  i^^^ 
it  wi.   I  could  uot  control  my  anger.    I  seized  mm    y 
i:^;oa^Vlpulledthe  girths  from  his  g^^^ 

received  two  or  three  severe  kicks  -^  ^^^  ^^^^^^ 
had  something  to  do  to  hold  hun  and  '..ep  hun  Horn 
?^rng  the  girl,  who  was  now  li-PinS  n-y  as  J., 
as  she  could,  when  a  slatternly  woman  mad    up    o  ub^ 
She  struck  the  litllc  girl  as  she  passed  l'*^' '  "^.^^'^^^ 
fiercely  attacked  the  man.    I  <,uickly  let  go  ot     ""  '  "^ 
Surried  towards  the  child,  fearing  they  ™'^«  '«;;;; 
and.'ive  her  perhaps  worse  treatment;   but  I  had  to 
retun  at  onee  for  the  brutal  husband  ha.l  knocked  Im 
wife  down  and  was  furiously  kicking  l-^-v-^'' ^'^ '^«^^- 
Si  boots  on  the  head,  face,  and  body,  in  the  most 
Zcktrmanner,  and  when  I  laid  hold  of  Inm  again, 
he  woman  appeared  to  be  senseless  and  unable  to  r..^ 
She  looked  to  be  but  a  mass  of  blood  and  b™' '  f 
from  the  savage  blows  she  had  received  1  thought  she 

was  dead.  .  . 

Tnst  then  much  to  my  satisfaction,  Simon  made  his 
app«  Se  fellow  who  had  abused  the  woman 
went  deliberately  away  without  seeming  to  care  much 
whether  he  had  taken  her  life  or  not,  and  it  was  lelt  for 
me  and  Simon  to  try  and  restore  her  if  possible. 

u  It  divn't  sa'and  loikely  she'll  eever  coom  to,"  said 
he  as  he  looked  upon  the  prostrate  creature.  Oh! 
Meastur,  bur  they  be  a  dreadful  bad  set  heer-they 
bia." 


OF  A  rilKACaiiU. 


ei 


at  shouted, 
II  mill,  you 
done." 
iiy  'mtprfcr- 
al  tlio-,'irl, 

extent ,  ho 

HufUciently 
rtl'resh.     Aa 
izcd  him  l>y 
grasp,  but  I 
struggh;.     I 
;p  hhn  from 
xway  as  *"cisl 
Ic  up  to  us. 
er,  an. I  then 
)  of  him  and 
lit  follow  her 
but  I  had  to 

knocked  his 
rtilh  his  liob- 
in  the  most 
:f  him  again, 
nablc  to  ris*. 

bi-uisea,  and 
1  thought  she 

non  made  his 
cd  the  woman 
to  care  much 
it  was  left  for 
ssible. 

;oom  to,"  said 
jature.  "Oh! 
jet  beer— they 


It  was  even  so,  as  further  ol)scrvalion  enahk-d  mo  to 
discover;  and  (Uu-ing  my  subseiiuenl  iutercour.sc  wllli 
the  ignonint  savages  of  ihis  region,  I  found  Wimon-s 
siynideaut  caution  almost  always  necessary.  "  Meastur 
moind  w'aat  thee  beest  abaat,  an'  keep  an  eye  on  'em-' 
do!"  ' 

It  was  a  necessary  caution,  for  a  more  treacherous, 
unfeehng  set  at  that  time  it  would  be  imi)o«3iblc  to  come 
across  in  any  part  of  the  wide,  wide  world. 


CIIAITER  X. 
A  FIKLD  FOn   MISSIOXARIfiS. 

The  description  of  the  natural  man  in  the  Bible  was 
most  applicable  to  the  wicked  and  unregcnerate  of  this 
place;  for  here  could  be  found  men  andwomeu  "  With- 
out natural  affection,  truce  breakers,  false  accusers,  in- 
continent,  tierce,  despiscrs  of  those  that  arc  "ood- 
whose  mouth  is  full  of  cursing  and  bitterness;''their 
feet  are  swift  to  shed  blood;  destructiou  and  misery  arc 
in  their  ways  I" 

Indeed,  the  thorough  ignorance,  wickedness,  and 
depravity  existing  among  the  squalid  population  of  this 
district,  made  mc  feel  ashamed  that  such  a  class  could 
be  found,  as  it  were,  in  the  heart  of  Britain,  and  I  have 
often  thought  that  were  some  of  the  intelligent  Pa-an 
whom  our  missionaries  appear  so  anxious  to  convert' 
were  they  but  to  visit  this  and  similar  sections  of  our 
Christian  country,  they  would  no  doubt  be  much  amazed 
to  witness  the  degradation  of  so  many  of  our  people  far 
exceeding,  perhaps,  anything  of  the  kind  to  be  discov- 
ered  ia  thek  own  luuds;  and.ia  pity  tor  the  abject  con- 


it 
'^1 


Ill 

!•  I- 


M  BEHINTSCKMCin 

dltlon  of  the...  British  bftrhariun^,  compn«^tonatc  ■Rmh- 
n        nii'l.t  well  .vpr..a-1.,  for  ih.  ir  ,ui..Hn-oUMl  offer  «, 

MUiu.rtunc  rich  luul  poor  alike,  in  onlcr  to  <  r-.m-.o 
1-  ni..iouury  ox.mr«ionH  for  the  b.ndll  o.   Ih.  hou- 
u   in  .listaut  l.n.l..  while,  it  would  ...m,  ahno«t 
toulJly  m'^le'^ting  a  vuhI  nuniln-r  of  the  fur  more  ignor- 
ant  vitioiH,  and  irroclaimabU',  at  home. 

For  manvvear«  I   have  held  peculiar,  but,  I  trust, 
col  ;.on-:r  views,  re.ardin.  the  propriety  o   forjM^ 
miH.ion.  while    we    have    so  many   witiioul  the   least 
rrXieof  thetiospel  or  of  civili/.ation  among  our- 
Live       None  can  bo  more  anxious  for  the  .h-mma. 
a,  f  truth  than  I  am.    But  1  contend  U-  J -.1'^^ 
Bieian  should  not  leave  the  sick  and  l'"'^"-  f  ^'f  J^J 
own  door  to  visit  tiioso  at  a  distance  who  do  not  a.k  tor 
h^B  rvices,  or  bcli«ve  in  the  clllcacy  of  h.s  prescrip- 
UOHB  d  in  his  mode  of  treatment.    And  though  I  have 
Xn  bmi  censured  by  prominent  preachers  an.l  breth- 
ren fo   my  great  divergence  of  opinion  on  so  important 
a  maUer,  yet  when    1  think  of   the  hundreds  in  the 
mS '    d  stricts    who   scarcely  know    anything   of    a 
Sleme  Hcin^  or  of  social  order,  and  of  the   hou^ands 
of  unreclaimed  even  in  the  metropolis  of  Lng  and,  and 
whueomo  to  reflect  that,  after  all  which  is  said  to 
h  vc  been  done,  there  are  many  other  thousands  all 
th rou-'^'  «ritain  ^ho  virtually  woul.l  reve  in  crime  were 
I  not°for  the  strong  arm  of  tlie  law-not  because  of  any 
rcstraiX  religious   influence-and   further    when  I 
firmly  beireve  that  it  would  not  only  require  the  active 
Be  V  ces  of  every  social  reformer  in  these  islands,  but  of 

""''      .?  .:'\i  ,vho    has    ever   left  our  shores,   to 

everv  uiiooionaij    .vuu    n'^^  •  „   „p  jun 

counteract  the  wicked  and  reckless  tendencies  ot   the 

.?no rant  and  criminal  populations  of  this  and  ot  other 

Sstian  lands;  when  1  am  ^'--f-J  ^PJ/^^t^fe 
facta  80  bolemu  and  couvincing;   and,  turtHcr,  whoa  we 


ontitc  Brnh- 

)  inccssiintly 
to  ortjiUilr.o 
.  of  Uui  hoa- 
ccm,  almost 
•  more  Ijjjnor- 


but,  I  trust, 
ty  of  fori'ii^n 
)Ul  llui  least 
11  iiiuong  our- 
10  (llHHiMnina- 
Ihat  the  phy- 
lishlng  at  his 
ill  not  ask  for 

his  prcscrip- 
LhoUf,'h  I  have 
crs  antl  iircth- 
1  ao  important 
lulreds  in  tho 
uvthing  of  a 
tho  thousands 

England,  and 
lich  is  said  to 

thousands  all 
1  ill  crime  were 
because  of  any 
ithcr,  when  I 
lire  tho  active 
s  islands,  but  of 
our  shores,  to 
idcncies  of  the 
lis  and  of  other 

impressed  with 
irtbcr,  whea  we 


or  A  rRKAClIEH.  n 

hear  the  appeals  and  wiino.s«  tho  sufrerings  of  tho  lens 

HUll  u.n.c.ro  to  my  v.ows  >v,,^inii„;r  ,o,,.i,M,  mission, 
■•'.Mevor  yet  have  I  hoard  any  u.,u.n..,.  .sum.i  ntl^ 
porsimsivo  whi.l,  could  induce  me  to  overlook  i  I 
«u,.onor  claim,  of  the  puvMU  or  tho  pauper  1  iV'° 
order  o  try  n.id  co.iv....,  funualiy  «'fow  Fc  ,' e, 
]JraIim.M«,  or  Co„fuci,u,Si  to  C'liris.iani.y  .  ^  "' 

-^^lio  live.,-  said  1,  Hooitij,  ,|,„t  ,1,,.  ,voman   afior  i 
o.vn„,iu,eH,  moaned  and  turuod  on  hernid     '  s    .^^ 
had  lou.ht  some  .va.er  and  sprinkled  it  over  her  fa 
A  li   le  ol    It  was  al.o  poured  into  her  mouth    «nd 
shortly  aft..r  .1,0  ha,l  swallowe.i  it   she  J  T  L 

-PH.O,  without  assistan...  8ho  m!;;.; i^t";: 

for  a  monn-nt,  l.ut  as  soon  as  she  reco.n.i.o.l  Si    .>„,," 

appeared  anxious  to  get  away,  and  aeruallvU  "-^'a  ' 

^ut  litllo  injured.     I  now  notiml  that  the  Woman's   lo 

was  marked  with  old  sears,  and  a  finger  of      u  h  Iniul 

was  mtsHing     It  was  evident  that  this  was  no       u      " 

nne  slu.  had  been  brutally  beaten,  and  as  she  a  ta  e^ 

o  tool  no  very  serious  inconvenience  from  tho  i  i  ^  t 

ho  had  ,,ust  received,  she  staggered  off,  but  it  wa   pS 

to  discover  that  tho  cause  of  her  unsteady  stem  wa   a 

much  owing  to  draughts  of  inloxicatin-'  liquor  as  tw.' 

On  my  return  after  this  early  and  rather  revoltinrr 
a  ^.iau.-o,afewofusjoine.I  in  a  religion  servti? 
M.S.  tdgar's  best  room.    Though  not  lar..c  it  mkrh/ 

^ZZVZT'  ^'""  ''""^'"  th:^:;„ber"  tfi 
auenaed.  yet  humble  as  a  tabernacle,  it  was    a-  wis 

s_a,cL^o  ,.^_ate_o^Weu_t_om^       one  pi.;rt! 

"onditio'^u  'of  tt  conain^cC' o7  the  eS!:""«  "I" '""  ^^^'^^^ 
hero  »r.,  missionailes  wanted  to  tlm  i.TTZ  "'*  .•?""»'''''  ^"''l -    "  « 


g,  BEMINISCENCE8 

our  Christian  intercourse  o.^^^^  ^f^,^ 
most  delightful,  and  some  sad  ^ha*  ^^  ,^^,^,^iov 
was  very  present  to  bles  us  W^eXu  in  distant 
one  another;  we  P^.I^^^^^JV^  beseech  for  the 
lands,  but  more  P-^^f  ^.r  geulratc  around  us,  and 
blind,  the  wicked,  ai  "1  Ln  be  seen  mocking  us 
for  those  who  could  even  then  Dc  .^^^  ^^ 

outside.    We  asked  God  to  f  P^J^J^^^^  before  Him; 
his  son,  and  the  few  who  were  then  J^^^  ^^^^^^^ 

that  as  he  had  promised  to  Pare  ^^-^o  ^.,^,^^ 

Divine  Word.  ^^^^.„g^  i 

Early,  however,  as  I  ^f  ^^^^^  j^„^,,.  n,  the  grey 

was  not  the  first  who  had  lef    the  1^  ^^^^  ^^^ 

dawn  a  delicate  woman  couW  be  s  en  o^^^^^^^  ^^^^ 

alone  to  one  of  the  --td     ant  huts  ^  ^^^^  ^^^^^^^ 

Ueld  a  little  bas^.t    ch^  ling  mTst  that  was  around  her. 
through  the  thick  cmniUo  ^^^^  ^io^ous 

All  is  unusually  ^^I'^^^^^f^Xf  The  dwellers  in  wick- 
night-revels  are  over,  ^^^^^^'l^L^^  ,  restorative, 
eaness  are  now  ^:^^Z.:  unthankful  for 
sleep;  yet  how  many  w  ni<^ht-prowlers  are 

this  inestimable  b  essing       A  f  w  "i.     P        ^^^  ^^^ 
still  around,  but  they  h^e  a^  Je  app^^^  ^^^^^^  ^^  ^^^^ 

her  pass  "^^^-^tm  g'  wTaTshe  draws  near,  while  a 
fornotevcnadogwii  gro  .       the  most  joy- 

few  of  ^^r^^J^l^Z^X^Z^tl  doorstep,  she  sighs 
ful  emotions.    She  now  pa"  ^  g  jii^out 

atthe  evidences  of  discomfo^^t^^w^^^^^^  ^ 

Si^:i^is^-:^S:^^^^^ 

-rf^S^SarcStllowm^anofoue 


pedal  occasion  waa 
;  the  Lord  himself 
3  prayed  in  turn  for 

heathen  in  distant 
ve  beseech  for  the 
erate  around  us,  and 
c  seen  mocking  us 
hem  for  the  sake  of 
I  bowed  before  Him; 
odom  from  the  fury 
jous  be  found  within 

spare  the  ungodly  in 
e  of  the  six  or  seven 
88ed  believers  in  His 

out  that  morning,  I 
le  house.    In  the  grey 

seen  making  her  way 
luls.  In  her  hand  she 
at  in  thoughtful  mood 
,  that  was  around  her. 
3  along,  for  the  riotous 
,£  the  dwellers  in  wick- 
iven's  great  restorative, 
,  arise  unthankful  for 
lew  night-prowlers  are 
he  approaches  and  let 
tbe  well  known  to  all, 

she  draws  near,  while  a 
sxhibiling  the  most  joy- 
at  a  door-step,  she  sighs 
t  which  she  sees  about 
cb— but  she  listens.  A 
}  the  dull  sounds  of  deep 

reach  her  car,  she  hears 

sasional  low  moan  of  one 


OF  A  rilEACnER. 


68 


who  .9  soon  to  close  her  eyes  in  a  last  sleep,  never  a-aln 
to  look  on  the  things  of  earth.     The  creaking  door  is 
now  8  owly  closed;  not  one  is  disturbed,  but^the  poor 
pal  led  creature  wlio  is  thore  prostrate  turns  her  eyes 
wistfully  towards  the  visitor  and  a,  faint  smile  comes  foJ 
a  moment  on  the  pallid  face.    A  number  of  persons  are 
stretched  around,  and  the  air  which  they  inhale  is  most 
foul  and  conlammating.     On  a  rough  bench  near  the 
bed  lies  a  stalwart  man  whose  stertorous   breathing 
mdicatesthatheisyet  under  the  influence  of  1171    t 
night's  debauch.    Within  reach  of  his  hand  his  inotlier 
I  sd,ui^,but  Ned  Kelso  knows  it  not,  or  cares  bu 
httle;  his  arm  is,  as  it  were,  powerless  at  his  side, 
offering  no  support  to  her  who  is  about  to  leave  hhn 
forever     Eut  here  see  the  angel  of  the  dawn  who  has 

imtlTI;  !^Z  ^""'^  «•'«  «^^P«  to  the  side  of  the 
afflicted  and  takes  her  withered  hand!      It  is  now  too 

late  to  olfer  any  of  the  few  comforts  which  she  has  in 
herlittle  basket,  but  before  the  departing  soul  leaves  its 
frail  tenemeni  she  kneels  alone  and  silently  prays  bv 

he  sMo  of  the  dying    woman.      In   a   few"^  ™iLes 
afterwards  she  gently  closes  the  sightless  eyes,  and 
^..on  Ned  Ivelso  IS  aroused  by  the  retiring  evangelist 
he  finds  himself  in  the  chamber  of  death  ' 

Ohl  meek,  unordained  minister  of  God,  your  last 
faithful  words  may  have  again  awakened  hope,  and 
painted  out  even  in  religious  imagination  the  pearly 
gate  of  Paradise  to  another  repentant  sinnerl 

Notwithstanding  tlie  rough  experience  which  I  ha<l 
already  had  of  the  rude  inhabitants  of  the  place,  I  was 
desirous  of  seeing  something  more  of  them  oa  this  mv 
first  visit,  so  that  when  I  came  among  them  again  in  a 
fortnight  I  might  have  some  plan  miopted  for  their 

?avTo?M      i^r'"''  '^"'^'^'-     Under  the  protecting 

the  huts.    These  were  in  long  rows  facing  one  another.      ' 


^  RKMINISCENCKS 

places,  mere  particu  ail>  ^^'''^'  n^ga  and  fowl, 

^cnch  was  f;^^-^j;X^:!:^^^ooting:  scratching, 
-hens,  (lucks,  aa.l  '^''^^^^^  ^^^^  Uiem  now  and 
and  searching  amon^    "-n   iho  dwcllinss,  the  inmates 

^1'-^  '■<'^-  '^  '■""  ':;:;o     ou  !«  ^o;  the  hut«,  they 

taking  it  as  a  matter  of  course.  ^^^.^^     ^ 

looked  to  be  dir^y'.f'^r.f^'i'/X  cffoAs  made  for 
learned,  that  "^^^^'f"^"""  5  'u^  Jmbcr  of  men, 
reclamation,  more  tlvan  d.m^^^^^^^^^  ^, 

.omen,  -j^^^^'f^l  handled  together  in  the 
accommodating,  ^\<^'  f'^^  '  „j  n^^^nncr.  Old  and  young, 
"^trcXTttsit4Tt;;eheaUhy,werehysom^^ 
male  and  Itmaic,  uil  ncstifcrous  retreats, 

moans  stowed  away  ^«S,^^^"'\'.'i*'^?'X^^^^^ 
resulting  in  the  "-^^^-™;;       J™t^^^^^ 

Biiatched  from  a  lile  of  "^^^^^  "       ".^  ^^uld  be  plainly 
ior  among  the  degenerate  P«P'^1^^«"  ^^^d  the  gross 
seen  that  the  children  not  °"  ^  .f^^'f;!,  b^^^ 
pUysieal  forms  ^^'' :^,'tL!TZo^^^ 

.         their  progenitors.        ,.,_„    _eople  corresponded  to 
The  amusements  of  Uiesc   peop  ^^^^  ^^^^ 

their  Burroundmgs,  and  ^«^«  «'  ^  ^  j^^^jred  could 
barbarous  kinds.  And  as  ^^  °"^.  \"  f^^,,  was  hailed 
read  the  plainest  print,  any  f«"'^^;JJ,r' consequent- 

;rmln:s!nea:S':u,  ^  not  engaged  at  some  occupa- 


h1  in  many 
ays,  and  Iho 
g3  and  fowl,    • 
',  scratching, 
em  now  and 

the  inmates  i 

10  huts,  they 
,  in  which,  I 
is  made  for 
ibcr  of  men, 
1  capal'lc  of 
igcther  in  the 
)ld  and  young, 

were  by  some 
crous  retreats, 
ty— unchastity 
rcoursc  among 
own,  paternal 
f  tender  years 
dgery,  sending 
ure  grave.    It 
icy   were  thus 
leir  early  years, 
^.ould  be  plainly 
rited  the  gross 
]irent9,but  also 
al   dispositions, 
st  as'vicious  as 

corresponded  to 
)arsest  and  most 
a  hundred  could , 
isuro  was  hailed 
;y,  Consequent- 
a  actual  labor  in 
at  someoccupa- 


OF  A  PRKACHER.  Q7 

tlon  in  or  around  their  houses,  could  be  seen  in  several 
places  setting  dogs,  or  cocks,  fighting,  or  actu:^irS 

n  which  even  women  often  took  part,  maudlin  an 
^agonKs.s  would  kick,  cut,  and  bruise  one  Another  in  ihe 
most  shockmg  manner.  I  found  that  tlio  habit  of 
disigunng,  and  of  biting  or  cutting  off  a  Hn^er  was 
quite  prevalent,  for  I  noticed  that  several  of  both  exes 
•    were  wuiiout  one  or  two  of  these;  the  very   lidrea 

fZ2t''  •"  "'^  "*'^°'^^'-'  ^•''-•-  f'omfhe  bm" 
impulse  of  a  parent,  or  through  a  spirit  of  wantonness  or 

revenge  among  themselves;  and  it  was  but  too  well 
least  of  their  vices.* 

This  Lord's  Day  was,  of  course,  scarcely  different 
from  the  others.  Though  a  death  had  Just  taken  pE 
among  them.  It  only  seemed  to  urge  them  toagreateS 
abandonment  of  all  propriety.  As  we  approached  we 
could  hear  shouts  and  curses,  and  hero  and  there  couTd 
be  seen  httle  knots  of  people  at  their  usual  barbarous 
amusements.  I  did  not  care  to  go  among  them  yet  for 
any  reproof  I  might  offer  would  likel/bo  ofVo  avaU 
Many  frowned  at  me  as  we  passed,  and  probably  would 

xnTrm^d  n"rr  ""'  '' ""''  '"'  "^^  ««^-' '    ^  '^^<1  been 
informed  that  the  rector  of  the  parish,  and  many  of  the 

clergy  of  the  Establisl^d  Church  for  ^Ues  around,  hL 

done  much  to  embitter  those  ignorant  people  a^inst 

dissenting  preachers,  particularly  against' the  comp^a- 

hvely  new  sect,  at  the  time,  called  Methodists.    And 

when  an  opportunity  offered  they  were  sure  to  be  in 

ment  T  w  "  n  ?'' '"'''  '*  '"'''  ^«^  ^  P^^^^^^^^  engage- 
ment, I  would  have  remained  until  next  evening"  and 

as  to  tlie  wretched  state  of  ti!  .U„  ^""""K  Q"eer  People. •  ■  And 
"  ParliameSry  Blue  Books  •  Pf.^'^^P^lPuation  of  England,  see 
various  accounfa  i„ X  new8mn«r.  „^  r"*^"'"^"  „^P'"*'«'"  the 
Curses  of  London"'  by  jZtSw^  a  workcalled  the  "Seven 


68 


BliMINISCKNCES 


would  have  ventured  a  few  admonitions  at  (lie  funeral 
of  Ned  Stokes's  mother,  but  deulli  liiul  no  roftening  in- 
fluence even  among  her  own  nearest  reh.tions.  After 
close  observation,  what  surprised  me  most  was  the 
deferential  manner  shown  by  all  to  :Mrs.  Edgar.  What 
was  the  cause  of  her  influence?  Thoy  would  sometimes 
jeer  at  Simon,  but  when  she  went  near,  or  addressed 
a  word,  all  would  seem  to  grow  demure,  even  the 
rudest  or  most  violent  would  make  no  reply  or  offer 
resistance.  I  could  not  therefore  hcln  feeling  (hat  her 
presence  now  saved  us  probably  from  a  /epetitiou  of  ill- 
usage  similar  to  that  which  I  had  received  on  the  pre- 
vious evening.  Still  I  thought  that  unless  I  went  among 
them,  and  showed  a  spirit  of  fearlessness,  it  would  be 
almost  useless  to  make  a  future  attempt  for  their 
reformation. 

While  Mrs.  Edgar  was  saying  a  few  words  by  way  of 
reproval  to  some  of  the  most  truculent,  I  addressed  an 
old  man  who -sat  by,  looking  on  at  what  he  called  the 
"  spoart."  No  doubt  in  his  younger  days  he  was  prob- 
ably among  the  foremost  in  these  cruel  pastimes— for 
the  scarf?  on  his  face  told  the  story— but  now  when  his 
feeble  limbs  rendered  him  unable  to  do  more  than 
hobble  to  the  place,  it  might  be  of  his  once  ferocious 
strifes  and  triumphs,  his  eyes  plainly  enjoyed  those 
which  now  engaged  and  elated,  perhaps,  his  own 
children. 

"  My  old  friend,  do  you  think  the  Almighty  can  look 
with  approval  on  what  you  see  over  there?  It  is  very 
wicked." 

"Th'  A'alma'ettyl"  replied  the  old  man,  with  an 
idiotic  leer.  "  Whoy,  who  bin  he?  E'eve  niver  hecrd 
noot  aboot  him.  If  he  doant  loike  it,  why  he  maun 
toorn  his  bed  t'other  way.  Waat's  th'  harm,  waat's  th' 
harm?  " 

"  Not  heard  of  Godl"  I  asked,  really  amazed  at  the 


Dna  at  (lie  funeral 
111  no  roftening  in- 
t  rol;. lions.  After 
uc  most  was  the 
Irs.  Edgar.  What 
y  would  somclimcs 
near,  or  addressed 
demure,  even  the 

no  reply  or  offer 
|p  feeling  that  her 

a  ;  epetitioii  of  ill- 
leivcd  on  the  pre- 
less  I  went  among 
isness,  it  would  be 
attempt  for  their 

V  words  by  way  of 
nt,  I  addressed  an 
k'hat  he  called  the 
days  he  was  prob- 
uel  pastimes — for 
■but  now  when  liis 
to  do  more  than 
his  once  ferocious 
ily  enjoyed  those 
lerhaps,   his   own 

/Vlmighty  can  look 
there?    It  is  very 

)ld  man,  with  an 
E'eve  niver  hccrd 
I  it,  why  he  maun 
'  harm,  waat's  th' 


ally  amazed  at  the 


or  A  PREACHER.  W 

old  man's  Ignorance;  and  I  atlded  other  expressions  as 
to  the  jroodnosH  and  power  of  the  Deity. 

"  Weel,  I  nioight  lui'  heeaid  summat  abaat  kirn!"  he 
answered,  rcllcctively,  "bur  iv  he  bin  so  good  as 'ce 
tclis,  whoy  be  we  so  ba'ad?  lie  ma'ad  us,  eo  says, 
an'  ho  ma'ad  that  daumd  hawk  that  killed  oor  chickens 
t'oothcr  da'ay — he  did." 

Shocked  at  this  reply,  I  asked  him  if  he  did  not  know 
the  Lord's  Prayer?  He  knew  nothing  of  this,  nor  did 
be  know  the  nature  of  prayer,  or  the  need  of  supplica- 
tion. 

"  ITecr  till  un,"  continued  the  old  man,  "  whoy  shood 
we  pra'.ay?  Ee  saays  he  knoos  wa'at  wc  wa'ant  afore 
we  a'ask,  then  why  not  gi  it  withoot  th'  aaskin'? 
'Ecod!  thill's  th' rumraiest  thing  eev  iver  heerd  on!"* 

Alas!  it  was  useless  for  me  at  the  time  to  try  to 
penetrate  so  much  ignorance.  The  old  creature  was 
plainly  incorrigible,  for,  even  in  using  my  simplest  argu- 
ments, some  spirit  of  evil  within  him  would  prompt  a 
reply  or  an  inquiry,  Avhich,  owing  to  his  very  limited 
faculties  and  comprehension,  I  felt  myself  unable  to 
meet,  or  explain  away  to  my  satisfaction, — thus,  in  a 
manner,  leaving  my  tirst  effort  among  these  people 
almost  ineffectual. 

While  in  conversation  with  the  old  man,  Mrs.  Edgivr 
left  us  for  a  few  minutes.  I  saw  her  speaking  to  two 
or  three  men  remarkably  like  those  who  had  attacked 
and  assaulted  me  on  my  arrival.  Her  energetic  manner 
convinced  me  that  she  was  reproaching  them  for  some 

•  A  correspondent  of  an  English  p.aper  in  1877-8;  writes:  "En- 
connturiiif;  ii  ftroiip  of  oLildren  near  Ilartsliill  I  asked  if  any  of 
tlioin— they  were  of  both  sexes— could  say  tho  Lord's  Prayer,  and 
they  told  nie  they  conldn  t.'  for  they  had  '  never  'eard  ut '  Ono 
boatman  could  not  oven  tell  his  aire,  had  never  been  to  any  kind 
of  school,  could  not  repeat  tho  alphabet  nor  tho  Lord's  Prayer, 
and  knew  nothiii»?  of  religion  beyond  havinpi  a  va.'ue  notion  of 
the  existence  of  a  God.  And  yet,  if  one  goes  to  a  fashionable 
church  here  tlio  odds  are  in  favor  of  an  announcement  by  the 
parson  that  tho  offertory  will  bo  devoted  to  the  funds  of  the 
Society  for  tho  couversiou  of  Asbantees,  Hottentots,  or  Kojffirs." 


TO 


HEMINISCKNCKS 


offence,  and  that  she  was  making  a  demand  with  w.ilch 
they  seemed  very  reluctant  to  comply.  Presently  two 
of  thorn,  wilh  a  woman,  went  at  a  slow  pace  ii)to  one  of 
the  huts.  Mrs.  Edgar  followed,  and  in  less  than  ten 
minutes  she  joined  us  again.  I  saw  by  her  pleased  ex- 
pression that  she  had  likely  gained  her  point  with  the 
wild  set  she  had  undertaken  to  reprove,  and  1  am  sure 
her  gratiflcation  was  greater  than  mim;  when  she  handed 
me  my  watch,  on  which  I  little  expected  ever  again  to 

set  my  eyes.  , 

Next  morning,  after  I  took  my  departure  1  turned 
around  on  a  little  hill  to  have  another  view  of  the  hum- 
ble house  in  which  I  had  found  shelter  and  kind  friends. 
The  one  who  occupied  most  of  my  thoughts  at  the 
moment  stood  with  her  little  daughter  at  the  door  look- 
in-  towards  me.  I  instinctively  waved  my  hand,  and 
when  my  parting  signal  was  returned,  by  some  strange 
illusion  the  desolate  region  which  they  inhabited  secmct 
changed  into  a  green  vale  of  peace  and  loveliness,  and 
my  hope  then  was  that  I  might  soon  be  able  to  visit 
that  beautiful  place  again. 


CHAI^ER  XI. 


X: 


MY  CO-WOBKER, 


I  had  made  several  visits  to  the  mining  district,  and 
though  I  had  not  succeeded  in  making  proselytes  or 
converts,  yet  I  had  so  far  progressed  as  not  to  be  looked 
on  with  positive  scorn  by  the  miners.  A  few  had  be- 
come civil,  a  few  even  obliging,  and  1  could  count  a  few 
wh-  I  mi"ht  say  were  my  friends.  I  could  go  where  1 
liked  amo"ig  them,  and  sometimes  venture  a  reproof; 


OF  A  rUEACHER. 


71 


,nil  with  w!ilch 
Presently  two 
ace  into  one  of 
I  less  than  ten 
lier  pleased  ex- 
point  Willi  tlio 
,  and  1  am  sine 
hen  she  handed 
!d  ever  ayain  to 

rlure,  1  turned 
ew  of  the  hum- 
id kind  friends, 
houghts  at  the 
I  the  door  look- 
1  my  hand,  and 
by  some  strange 
ihabited  seemed 
I  loveliness,  and 
be  able  to  visit 


ling  district,  and 
ng  proselytes  or 
I  not  to  be  looked 
.  A  few  had  be- 
;ould  count  a  few 
jould  go  where  I 
inture  a  reproof; 


and  I  Bcldom  got  n  rough  or  angry  reply  except  from 
some  who  were  found  to  be  intoxicated.    Altlion<,'h  my 
heart  was  not  altogether  in  tlie  work,   I  could  cidl  and 
formally  pray  in  one  of  their  hovels  while  most  of  Iho 
inmates  knelt  or  stood  listlessly  around,  but  ains!  I  had 
so  far  made  but  little  impression  on  the  great  majority 
of  the  people, for  tlie  true  idea  of  religion  seemed  to  be 
something  beyond  their  mental  grasp.     Were  I  to  as- 
sociate it  with  the  low  and  degrading  superstitions  to 
which  most  here  were  addicted,  there   was  a  possibility 
that  in  time  some  notion  of  what  religion  was,  would 
be  eliminated;  but  I  doiild  not  follow  such  a  course  to 
gain  adlierents.    I  was  aware  that  certain  teachers  did 
not  hesitate  to  place  the  idol  of  a  Pagan  side  by  side 
with  the  statue  of  tlie  Virgin  or  one  of  the  saints,  in 
order  to  impress  the  heathen  believer  in  f  ivor  of  the 
Christian  faith,  by  leading  him  to  fancy  that  Paganism 
and  Christianity  were  in  a  manner  identical.      For  this 
they  claimed  to  have  the  authority  of  Paul,  who  said: 
"  Being  crafty  I  caught  you  with  guile,"  but  H  is  not 
to  be  supposed  for  a  moment  that  the  Great  Apostle  was 
capable  of  deception,  like  certain  clergy  we  read  of,t 
nor  can  it  be  believed  that  he  would  become  "all  things 
to  all  men  "  in  the  sense  of  joining  or  concurring  wiUi 
an  idolator,  to  win  the  worshipper  of  idols.    No!  he 
must,  I  suppose,  have  had  some  grand  object  or  motive 
in  view  which  he  considered  justilied  hira  at  the  time  in 
using  such  expressions.     And  as  we  at  this  remote 
period  cannot  fully  understand   the  circumstances  in 
which  he  probably  was  placed,  we  should  not  hesitate  to 
take  it  for  granted  that  these  phrases,  so  often  reflected 
on,  were  used  with  the  best  possible  intention. 

However,  dealing  with  the  words  of  Paul  in  an  ob- 
jectionable sense,  I  could  not  be  "crafty"  with  the 
miners,  nor  would  I  attempt  to  "catch  them  with  guile." 
I  luade  ail  effort  to  explain  our  tenets  in  the  simplest 
+  Rev.  Dr.  Crosby,  of  New  York,  for  instanced 


78 


HEMINISCENCES 


possible  way,  but  no  matter  how  I  tried  to  reduce  hctn, 
tlic  (loctriuc  of  responsibility  to  (ioil,  of  the  Bacndcc  of 
his  Son,  and  of  the  necessity  of  conversion,  seemed  to  bo 
almost  beyond  their  comprehension,  and  to  bo  regarded 
only  as  a  kind  of  foolishness. 

There  were  certain  consl«^eralions  which  I  thmk  in-    , 
duccd  the  half-wild  people  of  this  place  to  overcome 
the  strong  prejudices  which  they  had  at  first  entcrtamcd 
naainst  me.      Foremost  of  these  was  the  inlluencc  of 
Mrs.  Edgar  in  my  favor.      How  she  came  to  have  so 
much  control  over  them  may  be  readily  surmised-her 
kind  acts  and  self-sacrifice.  Next,  I  never  went  amongst 
them  after  my  first  visit  without  bestowing  some  triflmg 
eifts  among  the  children,  speaking  kindly  to  them,  and 
to  such  of  the  women  as  I  chanced  to  meet,  and  some- 
times  by  taking  food  to  the  poor.  There  was  a  harmless 
poliey  in  this,  for  I  remember  to  have  heard  that,  among 
half-starved  savages,  the  missionary  is  often  far  more 
persuasive  in  the  kitchen  than  he  is  in  the  church;  and, 
lastly,  I  think  most  of  the  men  were  under  the  im- 
pression that  I  was  of  a  fearless,  determined  disposition, 
one  in  fact  not  to  be  bullied  or  frightened;  for  I  found 
that  the  opinion  among  many  of  them  was,  that  I  would 
as  soon  fight  as  pray.    No  doubt  they  were  led  to  think 
this  of  me  from  the  manner  in  which  I  had  met  their 
attacks  on  the  first  evening  of  my  arrival  in  the  district; 
and  (luring  my  subsequent  intercourse  with  them  I  never 
let  them  imagine  that  I  was  to  be  driven  away  as  others 

had  been.  .     .      ^         i.    *k» 

llcluctant  as  I  had  been  in  the  beginning  to  go  to  the 
mining  district,  and  discouraged  as  I  had  been  on  my 
first  arrival  with  the  appearance  of  the  desolate  region 
and  its  squalid  inhabitants,  strange  as  it  may  seem  every 
succeeding  visit  made  the  place  look  more  agreeable 
until  at  last  it  had  become  really  attractive.  The  wUd, 
barren  moor  seemed  to  be  changed  to  a  wide  plain  of 


0  reduce  Ihctn, 
the  Bacrillco  of 
I,  seemed  to  bo 
to  bo  regarded 

ich  I  think  in- 
cc  to  overcome 
irst  entertained 
le  inline  ncc  of 
ne  to  have  so 

surmised— her 
r  went  amongst 
ng  some  trifling 
ly  to  them,  and 
iiect,  and  somc- 
was  a  harmless 
vrd  that,  among 
often  far  more 
ic  church;  and, 

under  the  im- 
ned  disposition, 
led;  for  I  found 
as,  that  I  would 
ere  led  to  think 

had  met  their 
,1  in  the  district; 
iththemlnever 
a  away  as  others 

aing  to  go  to  the 
had  been  on  my 
e  desolate  region 
t  may  seem  every 
i  more  agreeable 
tive.  The  wild, 
to  a  wide  plain  of 


OF   A  niEACnER.  fl 

thfi  richest  verdure;  the  heath  shrubs,  the  scattered 
boulders,  and  even  tlie  blaguanl  pools,  all  looked  as  if 
planted  and  ar.angcd  there  by  skillful  hands  to  ornament 
a  vast  green  lawn.  The  miners'  luits  were  no  longer 
filthy  hovels,  but  pleasant  cottages;  and  tlio  dull  line 
of  hills  to  the  north  appeared  as  if  elevated  to  the 
dignity  of  blue  mountains  and  crowned  with  a  golden 
light  to  gladden  the  emerald  expanse  beneath  them. 

I  often  wondered  how  I  realized  such  a  change,  and 
why  it  was,  when  I  was  absent,  that  I  wished  the  time 
to  hurry  on  so  that  the  day  of  my  regular  appointment 
—once  a  fortnight— should  again  return.  In  no  part  of 
the  circuit  did  I  feel  so  much  at  home;  and  I  remember 
how  enlivened  I  always  felt  when  on  my  way  to  a  region 
which  was,  and  had  been,  so  forbidding  to  others. 
Oftentimes,  when  going  along  the  bleak,  lonely  high- 
ways of  the  mining  district,  where  neither  hedge  nor 
tree,  nor  cheerful  scenes,  far  or  near,  came  into  view, 
still,  let  it  be  in  sunshine  or  through  rain,  my  mind 
would  be  agreeably  pre-occupied,  and  while  humming 
some  liymn,  tune,  or  some  march,  the  image  of  one 
gentle  person  would  be  in  my  thoughts,  one  bright  fire- 
side in  my  view,  and  a  smile  would  glow  upon  my  face 
while  anticipating  her  fresh  welcome. 

Hcrl  Who  was  she?  I  had  no  mother,  no  sister,  no 
one  in  the  endearing  relation  of  wife,  but,  Oh!  what  a 
friend  I  esteemed  Mrs.  Edgar!  For  some  time  past 
she  appeared  to  me  as  being  one  of  the  brightest  orna- 
ments of  her  sex,  a  pious,  patient,  beautiful  creature, 
with  one  of  the  kindest  hearts  and  most  benevolent  of 
dispositions.  As  previously  stated,  she  had  already  had 
early  afflictions,  and,  from  what  I  had  seen,  it  was  my 
impression  that,  feeling  for  the  deprivations  of  others, 
she  came  here— here  to  this  gloomy  region— to  try  and 
alleviate  distress,  to  raise  a  neglected  class  from  the 
state  of  degradation  into  which  they  had  fallen,  and  to 


:i^' 


m 


'^8a»M»^a»«WHi^^«tf«6^^ 


■.  .f-rW'  'V^-^4.^ii."i!?UtfW'~- 


BA  11KM1N13CKKCK9 

Bpcnd  hor  life,  If  accl  be,  In  makitiR  efforts  to  d(»  goml 
aLon,  an  ig.u.nu.t  und  impoverished  co.nmr.ni  y,  wh<| 
3  evidently  been  shunned  by  tho  weallhy,  despjned 
by  tic  ,  ou.  ,  overlooked  by  the  philanthropist  and,  to 
a'gm.;  extern,  ne.leeted  and  forsaken  by  the  ptous 
Hunnortera  of  foreij'n  missionary  enterpns'es. 

Imu^Hav  that  the  more   I  saw  of  this  «elf-dcnytn« 
woman  thc"hi"hcr  she  was  raised  in  my  estimation.    1 
Tod    e    a  debt  of  gratitu.le,  I  might  nay,   or  saving 
mv    R-  and,not  only  for  that,  but  for  eontinued  and 
"t     y       sof  kindness.    And,  time  after  time,  as  I 
win  ssed  her  devotion  to  tho  poor  when  ^l--- -- 
paratively  poor  herself,  her  unobtrusive  ^-y«;    » ^  ^ « 
patient  submission  to  trials  and  reverses  I  ^^^^\\^'J^ 
very  great  respeet,  and  eould  not  help  feeling  that  I  was 
Sularly  fortunate  in  being,  in  a  manner  associated 
with  ler^n  exertions     or  the  reelamntion  of  the  sem  - 
bbarous  people  arotmd  her.    Without  '--ny  f  o     ' 
religious  or  otherwise,  would  have  been  but  of  Uttle 

'tow  could  I  help  tlH"king  more  and  more  o^  one 
who  by  nuracrou*.  acts  of  kindness  to  all,  had  a  ready 
won  my  greatest  admiration?    I  fouml  it  impossible  to 
Tesis  tho  spell  which  her  presence  threw  around  me 
an.U  was  charmed  with  her  unaffected  demeanor     By 
Sav  her  imago  was  now  nhnost  ever  present,  and  few 
n^hl  passed  away  without  seeing  her  i-  n;y  «; 
When  I  chanced  to  be  absent  in  some  remote  pait  of  the 
circuU  not  having  seen  her  for  more  than  a  week,  I 
used  to  fancy  thai  she  was  with  me;  and  then,  encour- 
;'t  the  Rasing    illusion,  I   allowed  my  sangume 
nSns  greiter  latitude,  and  thought  how  dehghtfu 
would  bo  to  have  her  accompany  me  around  the  great 
d?^it  of  life  and  to  be  forever  with  me;  and  l^n 
after  having  linished  the  grand  round  of  our  existence 
hereVand  witnessed  together  the  varied  scenes  through- 


OF  A   niEACIIEn. 


75 


forts  todogootl 
•oinmi'.nily,  who 
'fiillliy,  tlespised 
IhropUt,  aiul,to 
iMi  liy  the  pious 
rises. 

his  self-dcnyins 
ly  csliniiilion.    I 
t  Hiiy,  for  siiving 
r  continued  nnd 
lifter  time,  as  I 
on  she  was  com- 
vc  vmy»,  and  her 
•808, 1  held  her  in 
feeling  tliat  I  was 
lanncr,  associated 
ition  of  the  semi- 
It  her  jny  efforts, 
been  but  of  little 

and  more  of  one 
o  all,  had  already 
\  it  impossible  to 
threw  around  me, 
ed  demeanor.  By 
■  present,  and  few 
icr  in  my  dreams. 

remote  part  of  the 
,rc  than  a  week,  I 

and  then,  encour- 
>wed  my  sanguine 
it  how  delightful  it 
e  around  the  great 
vith  me;  and  then, 
d  of  our  existence 
ied  scenes  through- 


out life's  tour,  and  the  events  incident  to  the  Journey— 
the  l)rii,'ht  and  the  gloomy,  (ho  joyous  and  the  sad; 
and  having  done  all  we  could  to  comiort  the  aniicted,  to 
give  hope  to  the  desponding,  and  to  lead  wanderers  into 
the  way  of  pcacO  and  truth,  how  glorious  it  would  l.o 
for  us  when  "  life's  tltful  fever"  was  past,  to  meet  on 
Canaan's  happy  shon>,  to  hail  the  dawn  of  our  immor- 
tality, and  to  hear  the  comforting  welcome  of  our  (Jreat 
Friend—"  Well  done,  good  and  "faithful  servant— enter 
Ihon  into  the  joy  of  thy  Lord!" 

Ahl  mel  then  I  would  think  of  how  presuming  I,  an 
undistinguished  laborer  in  the   vineyard,  must  be   to 
imagine  that   she,   who  was  so  much   goodness   and 
purity,  would  ever  think  of  leaving  the  charge  she  had 
undertaken,  were  I  to  ask  her  to  become  my  wife;  for 
I   must    confess    that  circmnstauced  as  1  was  1  had 
thought  that  matrimony  should   not  be  dreamt  of;  yot 
now  I   had  every  intention  to  make  a  proposal.     1  had 
some  way  tlatlered  myself  that  she  had  shown  mo  more 
consideration  than  even  a  preacher  diould  expect,  and 
that  at  times  when  I  ventured  to  speak  with  some  feel- 
ing of  affection,  though   not  having  the  courage  to  be 
sufllciently  explicit  as  to  my  real  meaning,  she  would 
turn  her  calm,  sad  eyes  kindly  on  me.  and  I  would 
become  cheered  and  delighted  witli  their  mute  oxpres- 
siviiicss.     Yctwas  I  not  a  preacher?  and  J  Knew  that 
persons  in  my  position  were  generally  looked  upon  by 
sisters  in  the  Lord  with  peculiar  regard;  and  often 
wiien  I  was  on  the   point  of  revealing  the  state  of  my 
heart,  and  telling  her  of  my  increasing  desire  to  be 
nearer  and  dearer  to  her  than  to  any  one  else  in  the 
world,  I  would  suddenly  become  timid  and  try  to  give 
the  few   words  I  had  ventured  to  use  some  .iwkward 
spiritual  meaning,    leaving   myself   to  be    again   dis- 
comfited. 

Matters  went  on  in  this  way  for  some  time,  and  I  had 


-  -l«.t^.&.>^tt'X4  ^  .&*^  ^#9k  ~.^fAA^^  t^  .  ^js 


T» 


IltMlNlSCKNCES 


^    ■;     ul  m.l.l  .k-(lvn<  niv  attuchnu-nt  luul  plea.l  Willi  lu«r 
h»db«c.u,Ullslm,a,,,olm    c     .at  M™.  U       ^^^^   .^^^ 

„aw,  lor  "'y'T'""':, ''.™:,";,°°,,  .„„  „„„l,l™„. 

tclli<n!nt  person  lu  the  plivie  wun  >v»ui» 

vc  sis  ami  I  could  reasonably  presum.  Ihat  even  o.    Imt 

L"ou     alone  she  woul.l  be  glad  to  have  me  come  back 

:rbeonU..o..^rormeJ 

?:i^rn!j;itet:f;iithcii^iemiion^^ 

dwa  halte.l  to  look  towards  the  house.  She  stood  at 
rolor  with  her  little  dau,^hter,  May,  and  when  I  go 
tot  lem  and  dismounted,  the  child  ran  to  me  to  bo 
liss  d  as  u  ual.  I  had  become  very  much  mterested  in 
Mav  fo  Ihadoften  noticed  that  there  was  somethmg 
Ser  face  wl  ich  led  nte  to  fa.icy  that  it  bore  a  resem- 
Incoro  some  other  face  which  I  must  once  have  Been, 
but  which  1  was  now  unable  to  determmc. 

lite  ea  that  evening,  Mrs.  Edgar  and  I  sat  in  the 
romn  toother.  Little  May  had  been  sent  to  bed  wUh 
ho  new  doll  whieh  I  had  brought  her  am  a  few 
Mends  who  had  been  to  visit  us  had  tak-he.d  - 
narturc.  The  old  man  and  his  wife  who  ived  with  niy 
hostess  were  busy  in  some  other  part  of  the  house,  and 
now  1  ere  was  another  wished-for  opportunity. 

iVwasncartheendof  winter;  the  days  were  get  ing 
lon'er     Wespokeof  the  rapid  Hight  o*  time,  of  how 
t  louths  would  quickly  pass,  and  I  said  ;  JouW^^ 
be  Ion- until  Conference  met  agam,  and  tl  at  I  sho 
pcSsthen  be  sent  far  away  to  some  other  circuit 
among  strangers. 


■TSt-' 


when  I  ml^lit 

of  that  me  III  111 

bdcoinc  very  lUs- 

Ihivl  oil  my  next 

1(1  pU'llll  Willi  luT 

Jilting  to  hecomo 

I  liiBt.    Lately,  I 
1-8.  Kilfiar  used  to 

I  imlccd  Olio  in- 

II  hIio  coultl  eou- 
thivt  even  ontliiit 
ve  iiie  come  back, 
orally  tnanai^ed  to 
romined,  and  this 
lo  hill  on  which  I 
1190.  She  stood  at 
y,  and  when  I  got 

ran  to  me  to  bo 
iiueh  iutereated  in 
I'Tc  was  aomclhiug 
t  it  bore  a  rescm- 
,8t  once  have  seen, 
nine. 

■  and  I  sat  in  the 
sent  to  bed  with 
It  her,  and  a  few 
lad  taken  their  dc- 
who  lived  Avith  my 
,  of  the  house,  and 
portunity. 

c  days  wore  getting 
ht  of  time,  of  how 

I  said  it  would  not 
11,  and  that  I  should 

some  other  circuit 


OV   A   rilEACJlLIl. 


7T 


After  thl»  thoro  wfts  a  pnuso.  The  ni;,'ht  was  mild, 
and  the  inoonilLjht  lilled  llie  room.  We  «ut  lu  ar  llio 
window,  and  as  Mrs.  Kdgar  gazed  up  at  the  brlglit  orb, 
I  imagined  that  In  r  face  looked  uiiusimlly  palo  and 
placid. 

"  IIow  beautifully  eal:n,"  she  said,  "  the  moou  n|»- 
pears  lo  us  at  hucIi  a  dintanee— like  I  lie  bright  and 
peaceful  home  of  the  blest:  yet  W(!  have  reason  to 
believe  that  it  is  convulsed  by  the  most  terribly  dis- 
turbing forces  1" 

"Yes,"  I  replied,  "  it  is  Ukc  many  a  tran(|uil  exterior 
which  has  hidden  tires  benealli,  or  like  many  a  fair 
human  face  that  would  hide  tiouhlos  of  the  heart  which 
must  not  be  made  known  to  others." 

.she  glanced  at  mo  for  a  moment,  a  faint  si;,'h  followed 
my  remark, and  then  she  turneil  lur  eyes  upward  again. 
I  stole  another  look  at  her  jiallid  features,  pallid  in  the 
moonliLjbt.  ller  marble  countenam-c  appeani!  like  that 
of  an  angel,  relleetiiig  the  radian-^eof  thedreat  Throne, 
and  at  the  moment  1  felt  as  if  in  the  presence  of  some 
pure  spirit. 

"  Who  is  without  a  secret  sorrow?  "  I  asked.  "  Who? 
Very  few  indeed.  The  fairest  ilowcr  while  shedding 
its  fragrance  around  may  have  some  germ  of  decay 
within  its  petals;  the  gayest  face  in  a  crowd  may  bo 
flushed  with  the  failing  current  of  a  hopeless  heart;  and 
how  many  a  stately  form  passes  along  unsuspected  and 
admired  while  bearing  a  weight  of  secret  woe  which 
sooner  or  later  must  crush  it  to  the  earth!  Oh!  the 
untold  silent  griefs  that  bring  so  many  down  to  a 
premature  grave!" 

While  she  was  still  looking  up,  I  saw  her  bosom 
heave,  and  another  faint  sigh  escaped;  the  moonlight 
sparkled  in  her  Hooded  eyes,  and  a  pearl  of  purest 
radiance  fell  and  rested  on  either  cheek.  Hastily  brush- 
ing those  away,  she  looked  at  me  and  said:— 


*«*ti»w^fW*fe*iaBiii*(»-i».o»'-.«-:>.--i..^~ 


78 


KKMINISCENCE9 


"God's  greatest  comfort  aud  support  are  needed  by 
those  who  have  private  alUictions,  and  ^vho  arc  obhged 
to  hide  from  all  the  siu  or  the  sorrow  that  is  preying  ou 

'^" God  will  comfort  them,"  1  replied,  "lie  has  pro- 
mised to  do  so.  nut  human  sympathy  can  ..1  o  do  much 
to  assuage  such  distress,"  and  then,  almost  overcome  by 
ray  fcclin-s,  I  raised  her  hand  to  my  lips  and  said:- 

''Ohl  Marv!-lctme  call  you  by  that  name  now  - 
vou  little  know  how  long  I  have  desired  to  tell  you  that 
1  ima-'ined  you  had  some  withering  care  which  you  kept 
to  yourself ,  and  that  it  would  be  my  greatest  happiness 
were  I  able  in  any  degree  to  share  your  troubles;    ha 
you  had  not  only  niy  deepest  sympathy,  but  my  h.ghest 
regard;  and,  1  must  say  it,  still  more  my  best  and  fond- 
csriove-Ohl  yes,  my  purest  and  tenderest  love     l)o 
not  look  coldly  ou  such  an  avowal.    It  may  be  that  I 
um  unwise  and  imprudent  la  going  so  far,  but  1  canno 
hdpit.    Oh!  Mary,  you  are  the  only  woman  besides 
.ny  mother  that  I  ever  loved,  and  my  heait  was  bursting 
to  let  you  hear  that  secret,  a  secret  which  I  have  tried 
to  keep  but  can  keep  no  longer." 

Vathout  the  slightest  simulation  of  surprise  or  least 
trace  o£  affectation  in  her  maimer,  she  looked  kindly  at 
me  for  a  lew  moments,  and  in  her  softest  voice  said:- 
"  I  ou"ht  to  be  sorry  to  hear  you  say  to  me  that  which 
you  have  just  said,  but,  from  what  I  know  o  you  it 
would  be  hard  v.v  mc  to  treat  such  an  avowal  as  j ou 
have  made  with,  disregard.    There  is  not  a  true  woman 
'      but  what  should  feel  proud  of  the  offer  of  a  good  man  a 
love,  even  though  she  should  be  unable  ^ovctmnxtaB 
he  might  deserve  or  desire.   Believe  me,  your  disclosure 
ia  verv  <^ratifving  to  me,  but—" 

u  ohP'  said  irinterrupting  her,  »  do  not  say  that  my 
offer  cannot  be  accepted,  or  that  you  will  be  unable  to 
give  me  the  encouragement  which  I  so  fully  crave. 


support  are  needed  by 
3,  and  who  iirc  obliged 
rrow  that  is  preying  ou 

replied,  "  He  has  pro- 
ipalhy  can  il  o  do  much 
icn,  almost  overcome  by 
3  my  lips  and  said:— 
u  by  that  name  now!— 
;  desired  to  tell  you  that 
ing  care  which  you  kept 
3  my  greatest  happiness 
are  your  troubles;  that 
nuptithy,  but  my  highest 
more  my  best  and  fond- 
md  tenderest  love.    Do 
owal.    It  may  be  that  I 
oing  so  far,  l)ut  1  cannot 
the  only  woman  besides 
ad  my  heart  was  bursting 
.^cret  which  I  have  tried 

ition  of  surprise,  or  least 
luer,  she  looked  kindly  at 
I  her  softest  voice  said:— 
■  you  say  to  me  that  which 
I  what  I  know  of  you,  it 
at  such  an  avowal  as  you 
here  is  not  a  true  woman 
the  offer  of  a  good  man's 
be  unable  to  return  it  as 
Jelieve  me,  your  disclosure 

her,  "  do  not  say  that  my 
bat  you  will  be  unable  to 
rhich  I  so  fully  crave." 


OF  A  PKIOACIIER. 


79 


I  shall  not  say  that,- she  replied,  "  I  could  not  say 
so  at  present  to  you.     I  shall  only  say  now  that  you 

to  one  of  whom  you  know  so  little.  8ix  months  a-^o  wo 
were  s  runj^ers.  You  estimate  me  by  what  you  W 
seen  of  me  since  we  became  acquainted.  You  know 
nothmg  of  my  life  previous  to  that  time." 

"  I  want  to  know  nothing  of  it,"  I  replied,  "  I  iud-c 
you,  as  you  intimate,  by  what  I  have  seen  and  wiTh 
this  I  am  satisfied.  I  think  I  know  something  of  human 
nat,H.,andlclaim  that  my  judgment  will  lo  no  way 
defective  when  I  say  Jiat  you  have  a  kind,  gentle  licart 
incapable  of  the  least  decepti.,n  "  ' 

She  was  affected  by  the  .varnith  of  my  manner  I 
still  held  her  .land,  which  she  made  no  effort  to  w  th- 
draw,  and  i hoii  I  continued : — 

/'I  have  not  sought  to  know  anything  of  your  pre- 
vious life.    I  have  no  right,  nor  have  I  the  least  desi", 
to  make  any  inquuy  concerning    it.    If  you  have  a 
ecre    Mluch  you  would  like  to  preserve  I  ahalHiot 
rouble  you  to  reveal  it;  but  if  you  have  a  grief  whlh 

I  can  share,  do  not  keep  it  to  yourself." 
Her  mUd  gaze  was  again  turned  upon  the  bri-dit 

moon,  to  which  many  a  sad  confession  has  b^en  made 

m  the  privacy  of  silent  night.    Aod  then,  as  if  follow- 

mg  up  my  advantage,  I  spoke  on. 
"Surely!  cannot  be  less  generous  tlian  you  have 

been  towards  me.    You  have  never  inquired  about  my 

rr  T'-  '  ''''''  ''"''  '''''  "'  ^'^^  ^'h'-^'-'-eter  o^ 
n,  pieacher  of  peace  and  good  will  to  men,  but  it  is  not 
V  ry  ong  since  1  had  an  occupation  or  profession  which 
ought  to  be  considered  the  very  opposite.  It  is  even 
probable  that  I  have  taken  life."  is  ^  ven 

stammer,  'T  •''•  ^'f    "^  '"'•^'"^•^  ^^^^^°  ^  ^^'  thi' 
I  cSnuJd:-^"™'°         """  opportunity  to  say  a  word. 


. .  ^-JiVfi^'^fi'H'M^^kyi.yJ*  f J  jiiii  i^K. 


gQ  IlKSONISCENCKS 

fitted  no  crime  la  Iho  5°  l  ^^^aSl- tc™cJ  by 
.backed  .ocictyl.y«hat  «  ""'''''^''^J^tcr  sex,  m 

,e„,e„l  .ut  --%^'XZ^^^'^^'-^'  ""'• 
inaiscrclion.    I  have   i^'^^^'^^'^  jj^  lovcd  mc, 

;::i^iL  .1  -.--:sis;^st:rreau,ea  ■.. 

These  seeming  coutrauitiuijr  ai 

to  look  at  me  again.  j       ^^^,1^11- 

u  Oh!  could  you  do  that?     she  aslica,m  a 

choly  voice.  ^^^ession  in  her  face ;  she  spoko 

'^''r''''''',''^^!t"X^Zvo  compressed,  and  she 

;^af  :  Ure£  /o^vi^Sraw  h.  Uand  Crom  mine.    I 

explain.'"  i,ia*Arv  of  mv  life,  omitting 

I  then  gave  hex  a  short  ^^^Jl  ^,J^^,  u.at 
certain  irrelevant  '^^^^^^l^-  ^  7.  U-rhtning  at  my  side; 
^y  little  compamon  was  kdkl  ^^y  "^»  ;i^„,  ,,,.,,d 
that  in  consequence  "^^'^'^f  ."'y'^  „erliaps  unwisely 

adventure  in  the  old  chuch}ara  01  r,  ^.other's 

■  LSaS--:r,^?.raC-uV-ve,. 

.„a  prayed  ''''^'' '■^:Z^^^Z^  „b,„  ,  ,„„  dropped 


.    I  have  com- 
law,  I  have  not 
Lcally  tcrmea  by 
5tronger  sex,  an 
sting  heart,  but, 
LC  who  loved  mc, 
en  I  should  have 
upport." 
icnts  caused  her 

l,inalov  melan- 

jrface;  she  spoko 
npressed,  and  she 
lud  from  mine.    I 

00  hastily,  let  mo 

t  my  life,  omitting 
ck  to  the  time  that 
rhtning  at  my  side-, 
aothcr  had  deemed 
d  perhaps  unwisely 
.her's  dep.th,  and  of 
ithcr's  marriage  to 
ou  against  her;  of 
bles  and  sufferings; 
md  of  my  lorrowful 
St.  Leonard's,  when 
.nt  at  my  mother's 
.eparted,  1  had  wept 

when  a  tear  dropped 
lorc  on  the  mild  fca- 
i  evidence  of  genuine 

mine  were  suffused 


OF  A  PREACHER. 


61 


with  tears  Had  I  awakened  tender  emotions  In  my 
favor?  I  begged  of  her  to  say  a  word  wluoh  would 
relieve  me  of  every  doubt.  I  pressed  her  hand  in  mv 
urgent  mood,  and  when  she  replied  in  a  low,  tremuln.  s 
voice,  she  said:  — 

"You  give  me  the  credit  of  being  incapable  of  decep- 
tion. I  shall  therefore  be  plain  willi  you,  for  you  have 
earned  my  confidence.  You  have  now  a  right  to  know 
of  a  great  trouble  whicli  I  liad  before  coming  to  this 
place  and  then,  after  you  have  heard  me,  and  if  what  I 
shall  have  told  you  will  not  alter  your  opinion  of  me, 
then  I  shall  pray  God  to  enable  me  to  give  you  a  proper 
reply  and  to  sustain  mc  under  a  fresh  affliction  should 
I  feel  obliged  to  decline  your  generous  offer,  of  which 
I  am  most  unworthy." 


CHArTER  XII. 

A  BETRAYAL. 

mat  was  the  nature  of  the  revelation  which  she  was 
about  to  make?    fihe  sat  for  some  moments  in  silence 
wlulo  she  seemed  to  be  absorbed  in  thought.    Presently 
she  left  the  room  and  returned  in  a  few  moments,  briar;, 
ing  what  looked  like  a  small  package  of  letters.    She 
then  seated  herself  at  a  little  distance  from  me  with 
her  back  to  the  window,  evidently  with  the  intention  of 
keeping    the    moonlight    from   her  face,  so  (hat   her 
features   should  be  shaded.      Why  shaded,  when  she 
was  going  to  tell  me  something  of  her  own  innocent 
lUe?    Still  there  ^^as  a  pause.     Was  she  reluctant  to 
commence  a  tale  that  would  show  her  struggles  with 
Julvcrsity,  or  her  trials  during  the  pressing  nccessitiea 


I 


I 


I 

li 


82 


TlEMI^^SCENCE8 


^ith  downcast  looK,  her  low   ^oA        ^^^  ^^^^^^.^^„  ^^  , 

like  the  murmuring  sound  as  ^ 

distance.  ^    ij,  „  she  said,  "  my  story 

u  I  scarcely  know  how  to  be  in,  ^.^^^  ^^^^^^j^ 

i«  one  of  sorrow  and  -^^^^,  as  experience 
has  become  toocommoi^^^an^^-^^^'^.^^1^  pHy  or  sym- 
has  shown,  is  one  ^^^"f^^^i^^,^.,  creatures  who  so  much 
pathy  to  the  "^'^^y  poo     "^^^ ^\'^;;^  ^o  tell  may  have  the 
need  if,  however,  ^^^J^  „,i,,d  from  a  weight 
effect  of  Pa^li'^"y/t  it  o^7so  heavily,  for  the  last 
_^luch  has  P^-ff^^^jl'„  at  least  your  pitiful  cons^ 
three  years,  and  of   v  mn  "^  you-who  was  nut  a 

erationforme-forhern^'^/;^^^^^^^  ^^  ^^^^  very  verge 

short  time  ago  "f  ^P^  ^*  f  ^^^.^r^r  the  superintemling 
of  despair.  And,  were  ^^Xlh-uP-d  those  who  have 
Power  that  has  always  n^^^''''/""  ^^'^'^^n  ,vhile  in  a  state 
hLbly  begged  for  S^^^^^U  last  plunge  by 

bordering  on  ^^^^^^!^^,on  of  human  woes, 
which  so  many  have  sou„  I  ^  ^^^^  .^  ^y 

.A  little  "--/^t;':^!\aCyho"-'  «^"°'^"''^' 
father's  house  in  Londo  ,  my  haPPy    ^^^^^^^^  , 

hy  every  comfoxl  ^'\';^'\^^^ol  cov^.\  ^^^^^^  ^-^  "^^'^ 
stances,  but  respeetable^^^^^^^^  ^,,     U   ,  I 

family.    I  had  a  brother  ao  ^.^^^^  ^^^^^^     i 

was,  one  of  the  best  '^^^^^"^^f^^'Xildhood,  our  youthful 

.        can'now  remember  our  ^^     ^,,  our  bright  ex- 

.         pastimes,  our  cheerful  school  a  >  .       ^^^^^^  ^  ^^^^  ^,. 

^octant  future,    '^^^e^  ^^;\^^,,  i,,W  to  be  sent  to  an 
member  how  sorry  I  was  When         hranchcs,  foolishly 
academy  to  lea.n  eertaiu   lu^-      ^^^^^^  ^^.^^^^^ 
supposedatth.time  to  be  bey  .^^^^     ^  er 

airls.    This  I  may  say  was  our  nr         i^^^         ^  ,^^^.^^ 
Sshewaacutercdasastude.nt-^         - 


OF  A  PltEACIIEB. 


88 


■ft  a  widow  to 
than  she  was 
mmenccd,  and 
readied  my  car 
,c  speaking  at  a 

said,  "my story 
i  a  liiud  wliicli 
si  as  experience 
Ic  pity  or  sym- 
rcs  wliosomuch 

311  may  have  the 
.  from  a  weight 
vily,  for  the  last 
,ur  pitiful  consid- 
i—Tvho  was  but  a 
lo  iho  very  verge 
le  superintending 
.'dthose  who  have 
I  while  in  a  state 
hat  last  plunge  by 
)£  human  woes. 

ago  I  was  in  my 
home,  surrounded 

moderate  circum- 
;ould  secure  for  his 
years  older  than  I 
r  a  sister  loved.  I 
ilhood,  our  youtliful 

and  our  bright  ex- 
•ew  older  I  also  re- 
^acl  to  be  sent  to  an 

branches,  foolishly 
1  those  -iuitable  for 

separation.     Aiter 


attorney,  and  as  he  had  good  natural  abilitica,  my  father 
had  great  hopes  of  the  future  succchs  of  liis  son.  In 
the  meantime  my  education  was  not  neglected.  lu 
addition  to  what  I  had  previously  been  taught,  lessons 
m  music,  painting,  and  French,  were  given  mo  in 
accordance  with  the  prevailing  opinion  that  these  were 
accomplishments  which  should  belong  to  females  ex- 
clusively. 

"When  I  was  about  eighteen  years  of  age  I  formed  the 
acquaintance  of  a  young  man,  who  was  a  particular 
friend  of  my  brother.      Indeed  I  had  several  such  ac- 
quaintances, for  my  father  was  alwavs  glad  to  sec  my 
brother's  friends  and  to  entertain  them  at  our  house. 
I  was  no  doubt  perhaps  vain  enough  to  think  that  I  was 
a  cause  of  attraction  to  moit  of  them,  for  I  was  said 
to  be  handsome,  and  the  young  men  were  always  ready 
to  pay  me  compliments  such  as  they  thought  would  be 
most  pleasing  to  a  young  beauty.      The  young  man  of 
wliom  I  first  spoke  was,  however,  by  far  the  most  atten- 
tive.   He  professed  to  be  greatly  enamoured  with  me. 
I  have  every  reason  to  bciieve  that  he  was  sincere  in 
this  profession;  and  his  manner  and  appearance  bcinn- 
such  as  would  in  most  cases  probably  win  the  affections 
of  any  woman  by  whom  he  had  become  engrossed,  I 
gradually  reciprocated  his  attachment;    his  advances 
were  almost  irresistible,  and  I  loved  him.      When  he 
was  absent  on  any  business  wo  corresponded— here  are 
his  Icttei-s— a  day  without  seeing  him  seemed  to  be  a  day 
without  sunlight;  we  finally  became  engaged,  and  with 
the  consent  of  all  parties  interested,  we  were  to  have 
been  married  on  his  next  birth-day. 

Ah!  me,  how  dream-like  this  seems  now!  How  sad- 
dening is  the  recollection  of  those  past  joys  I  We  had 
been  left  much  together  and  iiermitted  to  enjoy  each 
other's  society  almost  without  interruption.  This  calm 
Boft  light  reminds  m^  of  the  moonlight  walks  we  had 


^^  reminis(;knce8 

in  the  fur  lUsUince."  ^^^  ^j^. 

I  inlernn>t.a  her  '--     ^ -\'  »^  ^  ;,,.,,,  of   rnssing 

'r  7  n;::  \he  n^^^^^^^ 

'  '""'  wuh  1  o  vcrr  I  sai.l  sl>o  must  take  fresh  heart, 
Btrewn  with  llowtrs.     i  »■"  ,vi,lnw  car'v  in 

,      ,„„t  I  ,„,  "2-   »  ,  „  'rr,„„li„„  ;„„„>  be  cv.„ 
notawulo\v!     l^vm  uwi.  be  con- 

melancholy  chum.    1  ^^    -  ;^^^^^,  ^ 

character,  because  in  rcamy  n   " 

mony  should  aUp^acc,  a  ^^^^^  only  known  lo 

tor  becoming  a  w i  .,  co  e  ^^^^^  ^  ^^^^^^  ^^^^  ^^ 

'""''"■^^iro  appr  h  nsioV  lest  anything  should 
nave  a  f'^^'^'"- j'  '  P^'  „„ubial  relation;  a  calamity 
occur  to  l-7^"^J^^,^7Xshunne.l  by  others,  and 

^^::^lS:Sn;rSch  our  carriage  was  to  have 


(1  US  placid  as 
the  bosom  of 

I  contrast  the 
with  the  <lcep 

seems  thai  my 

a  dreary  waste 

I  be  seen  even 

it  was  not  wis- 
cadof  passing 
urther  pathway 
iko  fresh  heart, 
widow  early  in 
of  the  widow? 
;  at  me  sadly, 
heing  a  widow, 
duty  now  to  tell 
Qo,  no,  no,  1  am 

II  would  be  even 
ught  lo  be  con- 
;  entitled  to  that 
,  assumed  that 
nearest  approach 
know  all. 

lis  was  approach- 
vent  had  already 
ras  that  the  cerc- 
ist  urgent  reasons 
s  only  known  lo 
id  I  often  used  lo 
anything  should 
xlion;  a  calamity 
led  by  others,  and 
iisfortunes  which 

riage  was  to  have 


OF  A   I'nEACnEH.  |0 

taken  place  came  at  last;  a  morning  of  clouds  and  mist, 
not  a  sunbeam  to  be  seen.  I  am  not  superstitious,  hut 
an  unaccountable  feeling  of  dopression  cuuie  over  me; 
not  because  Die  weather  appeared  so  uupropitiou!*,  but 
a  dread  as  if  some  impending  calamity  were  soon  to 
happen.  I  was  arrayed  as  a  bride.  Visitors  came.  The 
ciergynian  was  in  attendance,  all  was  ready,  but  thougli 
the  appointed  hour  had  come  no  bridegroom  as  yd  had 
made  liis  appearance.  Another  hour  of  terrible  sus- 
pense to  rac  had  passed,  still  he  came  not.  Looks  of 
mute  surprise  passed  from  one  to  another.  Inquiries 
were  made,  and  messengers  sent  in  every  direction; 
some  accident  it  was  supposed  had  happened  him.  My 
parents  and  my  brother  seemed  bewildered,  for  they 
could  not  even  suspect  that  I  was  lo  bo  a  victim  of  the 
basest  treachery,  liut,  before  night  came,  the  terrible 
truth  had  Hashed  upon  my  mind,  my  heart  sunk,  and  I 
had  lo  be  taken  to  my  apartment  insensible. 

"  A  month  passed,  a  month  like  one  long  night  hav- 
ing a  succession  of  wild  and  terrible  dreams.  I  had  the 
sympathy  of  friends,  but  Oh!  I  had  a  dreadful  secret, 
which  but  a  short  time  I  must  soon  reveal,  and  which 
when  made  known  would  alienate  nearly  all,  and  leave 
me  comparatively  friendless.  What  a  blow  it  would  be 
to  my  too  trustful  parents,  what  a  humiliation  to  my 
brother,  what  a  disgrace  to  myself  1  Before  another 
month  was  ended  we  heard  tidings  indirectly  from  the 
man  who  should  have  been  my  husband.  Full  of  com- 
punction ho  wrote  to  his  sister,  telling  her  that  on  the 
very  morning  on  which  I  was  lo  have  been  made  his 
bride,  under  a  sudden  wicked  impulse,  he  had  become 
intoxicated,  and  while  in  that  condition  he  enlisted,  and 
that  he  wa.s  now  in  Belgium  with  the  army  under  Lord 
Wellington.  He  expressed  great  contriliou  for  his 
desertion  of  me,  and  sent  the  most  solemn  assurances 
that  if  ho  ever  roi'-rned  to  England  every  amends  in  his 


80 


HEMINISC'ENCKB 


power  Bhould  be  made,  and  that  1  should  become  his 

"  ills  sister  tlien  came  to  condole  with  me,  but,  alas. 
When  she  ascertained  my  true  condition,  her  sympalh.es 
grew  cold,.and  she  soon  left  me.    My  brother,  smartmg 
under  the  great  wrong  done  me,  became  chBS.pa  ed  and 
balked  of  the  revenge  he  would  have  taken  le  t  the 
country,  and  has  never  since  been  heard  of .    I  soon 
became  a  mother,  but  long  before  this  -'«  k-;^"  most 
of  the  friends  I  had  had  from  my  earliest  recollection 
dropped  away.    One  by  one  left  us,  never  to  return     I 
had  evidently  in  their  estimation,  us  well  as  m  that  of 
the  many  who  knew  but  little  of  the  true  '^'^^^"'"^tan;^  ' 
committed  some  unpardonable  sin.    1  ad  I  been  wilful  y 
Ruilty  of  some  hideous  offence,  I  could  not  have  been 
freated  more  unmercifully.    I  was  held  to  be  the  cu^ 
pablc  one,  while  for  him,  the  betrayer,  every  possible 
excuse   was   made,  even  by  women  who  must  have 
known  how  I  had  been  deceived.    We  were  therefcje 
in  a  manner  left  alone.    My  parents  were  "1™«      '';"  f 
mortified  by  the  slights  of  former  ^-nds  aiuUhe   o  d 
recognition  of  former  acquaintances.    A  few  "-xpresseti 
pityrbut  fewer  still  evidenced  it  by  sincerity  of  action. 
My  father,  unable  to  endure  such  treatment  any  longer 
S  London  and  took  us  to  York.    He  died  there  w.^in 
hree  months,  and  before  the  year  was  ended  my  poor 
mother  followed  him.    With  but  very  limited  means  for 
Te  in  mv  condition,  I  and  my  child  were  then,  alasl 
left  among  comparative  strangers. 

"  How  I  struggled  there  for  months  to  be  recognized 
as  one  deserving  of  support  and  encouragement  1  Non. 
can  ever  truly  know  what  efforts  I  made  to  wm  respecl 
and  confidence,  but  these  were  scarcely  gamed  wh.n 
rumors  and  reports  were  circulated  to  my  Injury,  and  it 
semed  that  do  what  1  could,  society-Christian  society 
Iw^   against  me.    Even  preachers  of  the  gospel  came 


OF    A   r«i;ACIIEI{. 


uld  become  hia 

I  me,  but,  alas! 
her  sympathies 
other,  smarting 
tlissipaleil,  ami 
taken,  left  the 

•arcl  of.  1  soon 
fas  known  most 
iest  recollection 
er  to  return.  I 
ell  as   in  that  of 

0  circumstances, 

I I  been  wilfully 
not  have  been 

1  to  be  the  cul- 
r,  every  possible 
who  must  have 
I!  were  therefore 
.n-e  almost  daily 
nds  and  the  cold 
A  few  expressed 
icerity  of  action, 
meut  any  longer, 
died  there  within 
IS  ended  my  poor 
limited  means  for 
I  were  then,  alasl 

s  to  be  recognized 
u-agemcntl  Noni, 
adc  to  win  respect 
rccly  gained  when 
3  my  Injury,  and  it 
—Christian  society 
jf  the  gospel  came 


as  if  it  wore  an  unpleasant  duty  to  ^avo  me  advice  and 
foinial  c.uitioiis  wiiich  wtrc  (juitc  unnecessary.  Wilh 
tlu!  Mttle  means  at  my  disposal,  I  had  opened  a  small 
confectioner's  shop,  but  this  soon  began  to  fail  uw,  very 
few  seemed  disposed  to  deal  witli  me.  I  hud  to  give 
this  up,  and  then  I  moved  to  another  town  a  few  miles 
distant  and  tried  to  open  !i  little  school  for  children.  I 
m'!j;hl  liave  made  a  living  at  this,  but  in  a  short  time, 
by  some  means,  evil  reports  followed,  the  few  pupils  I 
had  were  taken  away,  some  parents  treated  me  wiili 
scoiii,  while  others  were  actually  indignant  at  having 
been  induced,  as  they  said,  to  place  their  children  under 
ray  corrupting  intlueuce.  This  incessant,  unrelenting 
persecution  soon  injured  my  health.  I  felt  greatly  cast 
down  and  wished  for  deatit,  and  were  it  not  for  my 
child,  were  it  not  for  the  admonitions  of  conscience  and 
the  protecting  ami  of  the  Almighty,  the  terrible  weight 
of  woo  which  1  hatl  to  bear  would  have  left  me  without 
a  single  hope,  and  I  think  I  might  have  been  tempted 
to  self-destruction. 

"  I  must  hero,  with  a  feeling  of  i)ain,  relate  another 
circumstance  which  greatly  added  to  my  sorrow  aud 
mortitication.  A  certain  clergyman,  having  no  doubt 
heard  something  of  my  history  as  well  as  of  the  in- 
jurious reports  concerning  me,  called  on  several  occa- 
sions and  repeatedly  professed  the  greatest  concern  for 
my  welfare.  He  used  to  bring  little  presents  for  the 
cliild,  and  he  expressed  himself  as  ready  to  do  mo  any 
service  in  his  power.  Of  course  I  was  only  too  glad  to 
find  such  a  friend.  A  prominent  and  highly-esteemed 
minister,  such  as  he  was  said  to  be,  could  aid  me  in 
many  ways,  and,  above  all,  perhaps  relieve  me  from  a 
share  of  the  undeserved  odium  which  was  making  my 
life  so  wretched.  How  gratefully  I  thanked  him!  lu 
aH  sincerity  I  looked  upon  him  as  a  Providential  friend 
who  met  me  at  a  most  trying  period.    Ho  had  a  family. 


88 


nEMINIWF.NClM 


1 


„  «r.,.  i.f  ihi>  most  benevolent  of 
favor,  but  1'"^^ ^'^"^."^^  .."^"^]  TS,  inelinea  to  favor 

;.';Mri  .houia  yc.  change  my  mW  »n,l  .o.-pl  l.» 

riTa^U  «rrJ  at   uVln  Lr..  »hioh  needed  grea^r 
Sira^Ulionthan  U.C  dUU»t  forelsncr..    The 


OK  A  niEAfirrK. 


hciu'volcnt  of 
,.y  lUd  not  livo 
0(1  U)  Hud  that 
yet  «/ic  uovor 
itrniMice-  me,  1 
f  fceliivj;  in  my 
learned  by  the 
dined  to  favor 
•oman  who  was 
I  artfully  lurinj? 

Ohl  what  an 
ing  against  tho 
hen  he  had  the 
oposal,  I  under- 
l,and  though  I 
s  shameful  con- 

h'ft,  telling  me 
and  that  he  felt 
1  and  aecopt  hia 

e,  and  what  ad- 
irn  on  the  most 
3  only  one  of  his 
ntion  in  society 
nd  unsuspecting, 

others  under  his 
itude ! 

[vd  in  one  of  tho 
ry  meeting  which 
rks  of  tho  writer 
rerc  annually  sent 
ild  natives  of  dis- 
^hristianity,  there 

and  more  brutal 
ich  needed  greater 
,  foreigners.    Tho 


nceount  of  ancye-wilnoMs  was  tlun  given  of  what  tho 
people  of  (he  place  were,  of  their  wrelehed  coiKllliori 
nioriilly  and  Hocially,  and  such  an  appeal  wan  made  m 
their  behalf  that  I  then  and  there  determined  to  east 
my  lot  among  tlieiu,  to  do  ihem  all  the  good  in  my 
power,  ami  to  try  if  I  could  not  win  more  sympathy  anil 
kindness  from  the  rude  mining  population  of  this  wild, 
dreary  di.Htrict,  tiian  I  had  fouml  even  among  those  who 
claimed  to  be  philanthropists  luid  Christians. 

"  I  Iiave  been  licre  now  for  more  than  a  year.    How 
lonely  I  was  ul  lirsl!     I  came  among  these  people  poor 
and  unknown,  and  when  they  found  that  I  was  in  a 
manner  dependent  on  them,  the   rudo  welcome   they 
gave  me  was  in   singular  contrast  with  tlio  unfeeling 
treatment  I  had  received  from  the   so-called  civilized 
world  which  I  liad  left  behind.    So  far  I   have  not  re- 
gretted coming.     No  one  disdains  me,  and  I  have  com- 
jiarative  peace  of  mind.     I  have  labored  in  my  lunnhlc 
way  to  reprove,  to  instruct,  and  to  reform;  and  to  some 
extent  I  have  been  more  successful  than  I  ever  ex- 
Itccted.    There  is,  as  you  sec,  yet  much  to  do.    1  have 
their  respect  and  good  will.    Oh!  what  a  comfort  to 
have  the  respect  of  some  human  being  again  I     I  have 
still,  as  you  have  witnessed,  much  intluence  over  them. 
They  imagine  that  they  are  an  oppressed  people.    I 
know  they  have  been  neglected  and  despised,  and  I 
have  reason  to  believe  that  in  many  cases  great  wrong 
has  been  done    them.     Ideas  to  this  extent   prevail 
among  them  which  have  led  to  recklessness  and  often 
to  revenge;  but  this  I  know,  that  if  they  feel  convinced 
you  wish  to  assist  them  in  any  way,  though  they  may 
be  stubborn  and  intractable  for  a  time,  yet  in  the  greater 
number  of  cases  they  will  yield  like  children  and  remain 
submissive. 

"  This  is  my  story.    I  know  it  is  different  from  what 
you  expected.    I  have  hidden  nothing  from  you.    I 


',t(i.»l*i#**.'ii»Wl  *j 


M 


HKMINISl'KSCEH 


wnaty..«  to  look  over  thc^c  UMlorn  ,>f  hs;  I  hoy  w 

good  opinion.  WIk.I  I  l.avo  .vh.lcl  ...ay  no  jou  u  ho 
vo»  to  ulti-i-  you.-  h.i.  ..lions  ,(..iH-cUn-  n.y«<lf.  J  -  .  tt 
nol...'el-  ^•.'la.nM->M-imna  lo."  it.  You  .u...t 
U  li.^c.  lor  co..si,lc.n.tio...  I  valuo  your  r.....a.l..p 
n.Ul.oul.l  you  «liil  tl.i..k  ,no  worth,  .t  a  nnu'wal  ol 
V  Lr  "ff-r,!  «l.allwilh  (io.lN  Ldp  au.l  us  yo..r  true 
Iricna  ....!..  :.lu.t  course  wl.i.h  I  shuH  !.a  coav.nco.l  w.U 
be  thn  bcKl  ior  your  future  welfare.  ' 

I  hel.l  the  packa^'c   of  letters   in  my  ha.id   for  a  few 
m.,  n.-nlH  l...fo.-e   I   eoul.l   n.ake    •   reply,    hhe  was  per- 
"ct;yealn.,a,,a,  apart  no,n  any  other  co,....^.raU^ 
the.mlurcof  her  wrongs  had   nl.ea-ly  won  f.n  -e.  my 
uipesl  sympathy.     I  -...not  deny  that  her  sto. ;,  was  .n 
one   i,nporta..t  respeet  .litTe,-ent  fro.n  what   I  i.a.l  ex- 
ne.  le.l,  a,  ^i  U.at  a  fe^'ling  a;  •.roaenin^'  to  that  ol  eau t.on 
Lul  ..ow  p(,,.esse.l  n.e.    1).^  then  vaH  she  not  >v  no),  e, 
truthful  wo.nan,  wl...  had  j.-.l    riven  mo    he  bes   ev,- 
dl:c  ..f  her  inability  to  .'..eiveV  ^-^^'--^^^'^^;'?^^ 
me  that  of  my  ovn   p.vvious  knu.v'.edgo   .  .as  able  to 
^^iborate  tlL  futhfu'-.e.,  .f  l-'VtX.t^  IndZ 
nowsef-'eelya  doubt  m  mv  mn  d   Iml  that  1  h.id  lis- 
eo;erediuhero..eforwb,.mI  had  long  ....de   useless 
inquiries,  and    tl.at    t    i.ul  at  last  an  opporlun.ty  « 
ddiveringadying  m.-.age  to  the  woman  lor  who.n  .t 

^^:irrio..e;'saidI,"thatIhaveUlWde. 
tinllv  in  mv  power  to  give  you  bomc  sal.sfacto.y  n  - 
fZation  Vegardi..g  him  who  brought  you  so  .....eh 
early  sorrow.  I  think  I  am  safe  In  saying  that  jo.  a  c 
the  nerson  for  who.,.  I  have  long  sought,  and  for  whom 
IheSs  of  a  dying  man  were  eonllded  to  me  for  do- 

,    ''Tnervous  start  caused  her  to  turn  her  eyes  on  mine 
wiaialook  of  eager  inquiry.    Her  faee  see.ned  paler, 


l,^S5>«S»3i*«t«*»-»' 


^SSJSKiSMw*'*"*' 


of  his;  Ihoy  win 
•oil.  I  v;ilu  your 
ay  no  iloul'i  *'hiiho 
;  myHi-lf.  I  v-eca 
for  it.  You  aiiist 
I  your  Criiim^^liip, 
)>■  \>i  a  rcui'Wiil  of 
au.l  u»  your  Inic 
feci  coavincwl  will 

ly  hand  for  a  few 
ply.    Sho  wiw  pi-r- 
licr  couxi'  rnlioM, 
(ly  won  hn  "IT  my 
ul  luT  8lo>  :■  >vas  in 
)in  what   I  liiiil  IX- 
jr  to  (hat  of  caution 
as  «ho  not  iv  nohli', 
n   mc  the  best  i-vi- 
il.  lu'sidea,  it  Htiui'k 
oilgo    i  «'i»3  "''li'  ^" 
elation.    Tlu'io  was 
lint  that  1  had  dis- 
long  nu'de   uscU'ss 
an  opportunity  of 
woman  lor  whom  it 

I  have  it  I'rovidon- 
omc  satisfactory  in- 
mghl  you  HO  much 
saying  that  you  arc 
)Ught,  and  for  whom 
tided  to  mc  for  de- 

rn  her  eyes  on  mine 
r  face  seemed  paler, 


«>. 


^!*^^^o. 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


/. 


1.0 


I.I 


l^|28     |2.5 

■so  •^^     M^H 

■^  Kii    12.2 

;!f  1^  12.0 


L25 

11.4    III  1.6 

11^^^    III! 

< 6"     

► 

Photographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


y 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14S80 

(716)  872-4503 


-'^■'  -^^Ji> 


V"  ^ 


% 


P 


CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  institute  for  Historical  IVIicroreproductions  /  institut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiques 


,--"sft:5* 


OF   A   rUEAClIEB. 


91 


and  there  was  an  excitement  in  her  manner  which  I 
had  never  before  witnessed;  and  then,  grasping  ray 
arm,  she  exclaimed:  — 

"Ilis  dying  words!  Oh!  God! — Oh  I  Lord!  his  words 
of  repentance!" 

"  Yes,"  I  continued,  "  I  heard  his  words  of  repent- 
ance, I  witnessed  his  tears,  I  listened  to  his  solemn 
prayer  for  mercy  and  pardon,  and  I  know  that  he 
pleaded  with  God  to  have  pity  and  compassion  on  you 
and  to  be  your  help  and  protection." 

"  Merciful  Heavens!  Then  you  know  he  is  dead? 
Arc  you  sure  of  all  this?  Oh  I  are  you  certain  that 
there  is  no  possible  mistake  as  to  his  identity?" 

"  None  now,"  I  slowly  replied.  "  ]5ut  listen  to  this 
and  you  will  be  convinced.  I  heard  Richard  Hammer- 
ton's  last  prayer  for  the  woman  he  had  deceived."  (She 
started  at  the  sound  of  this  name.)  "  AVith  the  finger 
of  death  on  his  brow,  he  gave  me  the  address  of  one 
Mary  Edgar,  and  begged  of  me  in  the  most  solemn 
manner  to  try  and  find  her  on  my  return  to  England,  to 
plead  for  her  pardon,  and  to  tell  her  that  she  was  in  his 
last  thoughts.  I  know  now  that  you  are  the  betrayed — 
that  you  are  that  forsaken  one — Maiy  Edgar! " 

"Alas!  I  am,  and  he  was  Richard  Hammerton.  I 
deplore  the  unfortunate  man's  premature  doom;  I  par- 
don him  for  the  great  wrong  done  me,  as  I  expect 
pardon  from  Heaven;  and  I  humbly  hope  that  his  re- 
pentance has  been  acceptable  to  the  Almighty." 

She  appeared  greatly  affected  by  the  unexpected  in- 
telligence she  had  just  received,  her  eyes  filled,  her  lips 
trembled,  then  came  a  heavy  sigh,  and  then  followed  a 
rush  of  tears  as  if  some  peut-up  torrent  of  woe  had  at 
last  found  a  means  of  escape. 

Taking  the  opportunity,  in  a  little  time  afterwards,  I 
gave  her  an  account  of  how  I  had  chanced  to  find 
bcrgeant  Hammerton  among  the  wouuded  in  an  hos- 


g2  REMINISCENCES 

pital,  after  Iho  battle  of  Waterloo     I  ^-'^'^^I'lZ 
L„;  conversation,  on   religiouH  topics;  of  »^°   '>  "- 

S*nm:n"rLv,.ho  „ob,yr.r..ot  her  own  groat 
r„„    u  Tn.tt,,:vo,oc,.  ha-.«.t  »t  .no  ..u^n..^ 

^oTuio:  I  ..-a  have  hc«„  ohUgca  ^„  rc3cc    h  n^    I 

-^=rrM:'r*-h:v.h.e^w.o« 

forever."       . 


OF   A   rilEACIIER. 


I  loltl  her  of  our 
ncs;  of  the  dying 
emorso,  and  of  his 
prayed  for  mercy, 
r  o;ivcn  just  before 
led  the  melancholy 
iding  his  shameful 
;ot  her  own  great 

\s  subject,  she  told 
iiy  discovery  of  her. 
iiblc  for  any  person 
10  admitted  that  I 

rrovidcuce. 
efore  I  had  the  least 
n  for  whom  I  had 
esa  of  her  child  to 
st  set  me  thinking, 
name.  The  name  of 
when  I  had  learned 

Mary  Edgar ,"-thc 
aunerton,  the  coinci- 
utwhen  I  heard  of 
.  morning  she  was  to 
1  as  to  her  identity 
the  very  Mary  Edgar 

umiug  the  character 
the  name  of  '  Ilam- 

i  not  legally  his  wife, 
i  and  to  offer  me  that 
red  to  reject  him.  I 
so  recklessly  betrayed 
a  have  been  a  widow 


How  could  I  help  admiring  the  stern  nobility  of  this 
wronged  and  persecuted  woman!  The  slight  prejudice 
that  had  been  forniud  in  my  mind  against  her  within 
the  last  half-hour  was  but  sliort-lived  and  had  already 
giveaway;  and  now,  after  having  heard  all,  I  coukl 
have  trusted,  and  honored,  and  loved  her  more  than 
ever.  I  would  have  spoken  to  this  effect,  but  she 
seemed  in  a  melancholy  mood  and  begged  me  to  allow 
her  to  retire;  and  feeling  that  it  would  not  be  prudent 
at  the  time  to  say  any  more  on  the  subject,  we  parted 
for  the  night,  and  when  I  arose  in  tlic  morning  deter- 
mined to  renew  my  proposal,  1  v.-as  told  that  she  had 
left  the  house  about  dawn  to  visit  a  sick  woman,  and 
had  left  word  that  she  would  not  return  until  after  my 
departure. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 


A   FADING  FLOWEH. 


Fully  three  weeks  had  passed  before  I  was  able  to 
return  to  the  mining  district.  I  had  had  three  weeks 
to  revolve  an  important  subject  in  my  mind.  At  her 
request  I  had  read  the  letters  which  she  had  received 
from  llichard  Ilammerton.  They  were  full  of  love  and 
promises  of  devotion,  and  were  in  many  ways  quite  suf- 
ficient to  mislead  any  unsuspecting  devoted  woman. 
Alas!  how  her  confidence  had  been  misplaced!  After 
all,  I  think  if  I  had  taken  three  months  I  could  have 
come  to  no  other  conclusion  than  that  Mary  Edgar,  the 
betra5'ed  one,  was  the  noblest  woman  I  had  ever  met; 
the  woman  above  all  others  who  would  be  the  most  suit- 
able to  be  my  wife.    Tarticularly  sensitive  as  I  am  by 


I 


^  RKMINXSCENCE9 

„,„„re  .»  »ny  por.„„..  .ligM.,  I  -,  »imng  .o  .ajo  he, 

■msmi 

been  cruelly  trie.l  or  artfully  tempted. 
The  winter  had  almost  passed  away;   we  hod  lately 

1  would  be  most  welcome,  the  aspect  of  ^alulc  was  very 

S    and  the  solitary  places  along  the  lonely  road 

S  m  dMadi"  the  warm  sunlight  of  returning  spnng 

Xumcrous  little  flowers  were  already  looking  up  at  the 

laTsky    n  l^y  streams  with  murmuring  cadence  rushed 

-    merri  y^^^^^^^^     in  their  winding  course,  and  birds  in  an 
meriuy  mo  „  ^^^^  ^^  ^^^^^  and 

SlUheSm^ng  and  »insinS  >»  f  "■"' ^ 

bly  have  appeared  to  otheis,  i  cnj<>y^  ,„<ho  sterile 
sclpe;  and  the  rough  highway  -^jeh  led  \o  «^o  ste  le 
nl,  n  that  now  lay  between  me  and  the  famt  hne  oi  cus 
Int  li^s  was  like  a  smooth  flowery  avenue  8-^-8  "!« 
to  happiness.  How  pleasant  were  my  musings  at  that 
parS^tlme!    AnLowwhenI  remember  the  day- 


OF  A  PBEACHKIl. 


08 


dlling  to  take  her 
u  1  by  f  0  doing  to 
nunity.    Hand  in 
ro  through  life,  lil- 
rs  of  society  might 
)  was  at  heart  pcr- 
hcrasclvcs.    From 
lestic  matters,  and 
.vc  had  of  the  sad 
inced  tliat  many  a 
I,  and  many  an  ua- 
ven  to  a  life  of  in- 
liaritable  treatment 
light  in  numerous 
t  not  for  thelnhu- 
t)y  their  pious,  pre- 
)erhaps  have  never 
1. 

ay;    we  had  lately 
i,  but  this  day  as  I 
■cgion  where  1  knew 
;  of  Nature  was  very 
ug  the  lonely  road 
)f  returning  spring. 
y  looking  up  at  the 
iring  cadcneo  rushed 
rse,  and  birds  in  aa 
n  rock  to  tree,  and 
ring  in  almost  every 
le  would  most  proba- 
joycd  the  stern  land- 
ch  led  to  the  sterile 

the  faint  line  of  dis- 
y  avenue  guiding  me 
J  my  musings  at  that 

remember  the  day- 


dream I  had  on  that  occasion,  among  the  bright  visions 
which  accompanied  me,  I  can  sec  the  tender  eyes,  the 
meek  look,  and  the  chastened  expression  of  the  angel 
of  my  licart  who  was  soon,  too  soon,  to  be  transferred 
to  a  coveted  sphere  of  hoped-for  lionor  and  distinction. 
It  was  nearly  sunset  when  I  drew  up  again  at  the 
little  hill  from  which  I  could  have  a  view  of  the  old 
brick  house  and  its  surroundings.  What  a  place  of  sweet 
contentment  and  repose  it  seemed  to  be  I     A  stream  of 
soft  red  light  fell  in  front  of  the  door-way,  and  already 
a  little  sun -lit  face  with  a  cherub  -  smile  was  looking 
towards  me.    I  had  no  doubt  been  expected,  and  the 
child  must  have  been  the  first  to  notice  my  coming;  for 
she  rushed  into  the  house  probably  to  tell  that  she  saw 
me.    She  quickly  returned,  leading  out  Simon  Blair  by 
the  hand,  and  she  led  him  on  until  they  met  mc  several 
yards  distant  from  the  house,  and  then  I  had  to  take 
her  up  before  mo  on  the  saddle,  and  give  her  a  ride  to 
the  door-stcp.    I  had  scarcely  time  to  say  a  word  to 
Simon,  for  May  seemed  determined  to  engage  mv  whole 
attention.    I  had  to  give  her  the  little  present  that  I 
had  brought  her,  and  while  she  was  prattling  away,  I 
looked  for  the  other  face  which  I  most  wished  to  see, 
but  as  yet  it  had  not  made  its  appearance.    I  missed  its 
longed-for  smile,  and  upon  inquiry  I  hurriedly  learned 
from  Simon  that  more  than  a  week  ago  Mrs.  Ed<»ar, 
while  visiting  a  sick  woman,  had  got  wet  in  a  heavy 
shower  when  returning,  and  was  now  confined  with  a 
bad  cold. 

Little  May  used  often  to  call  me  "  Pa,"  and  now,  just 
as  I  had  dismounted,  she  ran  into  the  house  and  cried, 
"  Mai  Mai  Pa  is  come!  Pais  come!"  When  I  entered,' 
I  saw  a  slight  form  seated  near  the  fire  and  wrapped  in 
a  heavy  shawl.  The  change  already  in  her  looks  was 
to  me  startling.  Her  smile  was,  however,  the  same,  but 
just  as  she  was  about  to  speak,  a  heavy  fit  of  coughing 


'•^     «-•**.*  -Z^'  -^{arf-J&Sfe«f^    _ 


g-  RKMINISCENCES 

easy-  „  ,      „  „„i-l  she  when  she  was  able  to 

.  It  will  be  ««^l^;»s;'  ««^'J";^,,oia  ana  rainy, 

«peak;  ''/I- -f^^^^'Sf  r^wer^wWle  some  distance 
ana  having  got  7^;^  "  ^^i^^^^,  „y  clothes  immcdi- 
from  home,  I  "^S^'^^^f  .^^^U^^  [he  time;  next  day 
ately  on  my  return  J  ff ^*  [^^^J  "^^^^^  a  constant  pain 
1  was  (evcrish,  and  smco  ^''7^'^.  ".„,.. ^agt.   "Some- 

Bubmissiveiy."  „„„.,vp.1  after  all  but  little 

Alasl  her  "^f^J'^^l^Tl^f^^^^^^  that 

encouragement,  for  I  saw  at  on       j        i^aps  the  most 

it  wouia  require  the  S-^^^t^f^^j;;^      S  health;  and 
skillful  treatment  to  restorcher^oh^^^^^  ^^^^^  ^^^ 

had  been  very  constant  ^« jf  ^™  ^ower.  Many 

dered  Mrs.  Edgar  every  -««;^^^^;  ^^J^^ad  also  called, 
of  the  poor  ---/^^.t^^ieTwrn^^^  they  thought 
bringing  many  ^f^J^^'^^^  informed  that  their  kind 

.ouldbe  ^7Xjj^7,t^re;  re  very  touching.  WhUe 
inquiries  and  off  era  of  service  ^^^  ^  ^^^^ 

tea  was  getting  ready  ^l^^\"^  tient  with  agree- 
glad  to  be  able  to  entertain  the  poor  pa    ^^^^    ^^^^^ 

^''^  TtlX^kSiI  cUdco^^^^^^  occasion- 
news  of  the  day  wmcn  x  conversation, 

ally  a  spell  of  -j^^S^^S  w ^^  ^^^^^^^^^^^  ^„  ^^^  ,^^,  these 
but  it  was  not  long  un^  ^^^^  ^,^,,^,^  and  that  she 
rwhlT^ai^:  rcHoncerned,  was  now  a  litUe 
better. 


OF  A  PRUACIIEa. 


97 


hat  almost  took 
inc  feel  very  un- 

n  she  was  able  to 
ras  cold  ami  rainy, 
ilc  some  tlistanco 
■  clothes  immcdi- 
hctime;  next  day 
^c  a  constant  pain 
er  breast.   "Somc- 
s  it  is  very  acute; 
that  you  are  conio 
this  affliction  more 

after  all  but  little 
r  her  condition  that 
i  perhaps  the  most 
;r  usual  health;  and 
concerning  her,  she 
better  and  to  be  as 

e  nearest  neighbors, 
adance,andhadren- 
1  their  power.  Many 
res  had  also  called, 
(vhich  they  thought 
rmed  that  their  kind 
irery  touching.  "While 
id  the  fire,  and  I  was 
r  patient  with  agrcc- 
g  the  most  pleasing 
tunicate.  Occasion- 
urb  our  conversation, 
wed  to  find  thai  these 
violent,  and  that  she 
aod,  was  now  a  little 


Having  many  days  previously  made  up  my  mind  to 
press  my  offer  on  this  visit,  and  to  have,  if  possible,  a 
clear  and  decided  answer,  I  waited  until  tea  was  over, 
and  little  May  sent  to  bed.    Again  wo  sat  alone,  but 
since  my  arrival  the  weather  had  changed.    The  night 
was  far  different  from  the  calm  moonlight  we  had  had 
',vhcn  I  first  made  my  proposal.    It  was  now  raining, 
and  had  got  nmch  colder,  and  aa  the  chill  blast  swept 
around  outside  with  a  moaning  sound,  we  felt  the  cheer- 
ful lire  in  tlie  room  more  attractive  and  comfortable. 
The  sudden  change  of  the  weather  led  mo  to  speak  of 
the  instability  of  human  affairs  and  of  the  many  strange 
mutations  which  are  constantly  taking  place  in  our  rela- 
tions towards  one  another.    Old  friends  almost  sud- 
denly and  unexpectedly  separated,  perhaps  never  again 
to  m  et  on  earth;  the  parent  parted  from  the  child, 
brother  from  brother,  and  sister  from  sister,— moun- 
tains, seas,  or  deserts,  it  may  be,  severing  them,  until 
the  lapse  of  time,  of  long,  long  years,  has  nearly  caused 
form  and   feature  to   fade  from  the  memory.    Such 
separations  arc  particularly  sad,  but  perhaps  sadder  still 
are  the  estrangements  which  arise  from  the  discovery 
tint  those  in  whom  we  once  trusted,  and  with  whom 
we  had  often  taken  sweet  counsel,  were  jealous,  en- 
vious, ungrateful,  and  deceptive,  and  no  longer  worthy 
of  our   confidence.    Such  a  discovery  must  be  most 
painful;    for   while    we  can  communicate  with  tried 
friends  who  may  be  in  a  distant  part  of  the  world,  yet 
with  others  still  near  or  around  us  from  whom  we  may 
have  unhappily  been  alienated,  we  can  have  no  further 
intercourse  or  association. 

"  But,  Mary,"  said  I,  "  we  shall  never  be  separated 
until  the  Lord  takes  one  or  the  other  from  the  scene  of 
those  earthly  trials,  and  then  who  goes  first  to  the 
heavenly  home  will  longingly  await  the  arrival  of  the 
other.    Will  not  thia  be  so,  Mary?  " 


i"^i»*j-i;-i,'uj'^t!ijv  .C^-ii.  .f 


IlKMINISCENCES 


08 

.      ..       .  i,nt    hpr  CVC8  were  tright, 

With  >.lalnl  voice.  .1..TC1.UB.1  ,„,  ,,i  ,,e  .ooncr 

which  I  may  have  acparlea? 


•  You  shall  not  go! 


nlied  hastily,  "no,  not  at 


loMltorjcr  .    01-  f»J  „„„  „„  placed  you  in  my 

;*r;»r:-ycM™u ««-'  y»"  »-«■■  -  "'>- 

"".^^^at  i.  God  „a,  a  .rcatcr  *i™,  '^  „„,  „„ 

Tt  was  the  first  time  she  calltn  mt  ujr 
JSr  »l>c  w»  ,0  mc  at  "f  »—„,.,  ,„„  ai,,utc 

„eogo,.i..  10.-  »  — ;  Xa«a  "Vc  "'  «"  ■-" 
t»kcu  from  mc,  1  liad  to  sou,       ^  ejdami- 

?ririrr!:r.it  .L*c,  .a,  ucavco ,».» 

tinued,  "  aud  if  he  afflicts  1"^  ^'^  ;j         ^^i^o  know 

^^   doubt  it  will  be,  for  a  good  purpose    auj  ^^  ^^^^^_ 

that  he  has  a  healing  ^^^^'^  f/J^JSyT"'"^.'' 

£ort  the  world  f«^,%«^^;4f  u  Ind"^  God  has  sent  you 

,         u  I  know  ^^-^'^-'j:^:^:^:  that  will  make  even  thfs 
to  me  an  inestimable  treasure  centred  in  you, 

Srf  TLVtr  ifc—  bTslnful  to  ;ove,  and  I 
fa:i.c?o;tentuntilIcanca^^  ^^^^  ^^„ 

th:rKrrS^-:"?oyLnt,"shes.d,in 


cs  were  fcrigl»t, 
.»  rather  heavy. 

D 

uiight  be  aooucr 
>t  to  rcmiiin  hero 
I— the  CaiKuvn  to 


atily 


"no,  not  at 


ot  part!  lUavo 
placed  you  in  my 
11-  answer  to  my 

lenry?" 

by  name,  and  Ohl 

ntl 

would  you  dispute 

id  you  liesitate  to 

and  aolemn,  that 
jilily  of  licr  being 
spite  of  all  I  could 
I  merely  exclaim— 
,  may  Heaven  have 

gracious,"  she  con- 
en,  it  may  be,  as  no 
and  you  also  know 
r  wound,  and  a  com- 
•y  sorrow." 
1  God  has  sent  you 
will  make  even  thfs 
-t  is  centred  in  you, 
sinful  to  love,  and  I 
ou  mine." 

lurpose  to  teach  yon 
oyment,"  she  said,  in 


or  A  PREACHER,  (( 

the  Bnmc  solemn  manner.  "  Wc  arc  all  too  ready  to 
form  idols  un<l  to  bow  down  and  worship  them.  How 
often  does  (Joil  in  lijs  mercy  sweep  them  away  from  our 
sight  I  I  would  not  willingly  Imvo  you  cast  down,  or 
sny  a  word  to  cloud  your  liopes  of  happiness,  l)ut  what 
arc  tlie  transitory  things  of  life  but  idols  on  widch  wo 
loo  readily  s»!t  our  alleotions?  ami  (Jh!  what  are  these 
compared  with  the  glories  of  the  life  to  come?" 

"They  may  be  but  vanity  and  vexation  of  spirit  "  I 
again  replied,  "but,  dear  Mary,  if  the  hopes  I  )mvo 
fixed  on  you  are  delusion,  tliis  oartli  will  bo  to  mc  but 
as  a  dreary  desert,  and  life  itself  will  have  scarcely  an 
attraction." 

"  Do  not  murmur  at  the  dispensations  of  Providence," 
said  she.  "Only  let  the  spirit,  of  God  enter  even  the 
most  desert  places,  and  they  will  bloom  like  a  garden, 
your  heart  will  then  glow  with  gratitude,  and  you  can 
make  life  happy  by  devoting  it  to  his  service  and  to  that 
of  his  suffering  creatures." 

"  We  murmur,  nevertldess,"  I  replied.   "  Why  should 
there  be  so  nmch  suffering?    Wliy  should  it  be  neces- 
sary that  there  should  be  so  much  aflliction?    Can  God 
take  delight  in  chastening  his  creatures?    Could  ho  not 
devise    other   means    to    win   their  affections?    Why 
should  this  earth  with  its  thousand  glories,  with  its 
mountains,  hills,  and  valleys,  with  its  green  fields  and 
blue  skies,  with  its  streams,  its  rivers,  its  lakes,  and  its 
islands,  with  its  flowers  and  its  sunshine,— why  should 
we  be  told  to  look  on  these  with  indifference,  or  on  this 
fair  world  as  a  place  of  sin  and  sorrow?    tJod  made  it 
ns  it  is,  made  it  for   man's  use,  for  his  pleasure  and 
delight.    If  these  things  arc  idols.  He  is  the  maker;  and 
if  they  are  attractive,  why  should  we  bo  blamed  for 
their  influence  over  us?    I  cannot  understand  this.    I 
avow  the  idea  is  most  perplexing,  that  things  should  bo 
so  ordered  as  that  the  majority  of  mankind  should  be 
unhappy." 


is 


m 


uEXimeczvcm 


"  It  may  bo  nu  will,"  «ho  amwcrca,  "  Buffering  and 

■tronff   deHiros    for   carlhly  cnjoyiucutH    II    these  aro 
'larSy  to  bo  gralilkHir'   I  a^kcd,  la  u  hulM.etu Uvu 
Buvrcuyio        1,  ^^  gee,  cars  to  hear,  or 

Zl  tolve,'uheaHn/aua  secin,  nu.l  loving  the 
bea  tlfu"thin«  which  have  been  placed  lu  our  way  arc 
tobe  coula  an  evidence  of  our  sinful  degeneracy/ 
How  tre  heart  i«  apt  to  rebel  asa.nnt  Buch  a  decision, 
and  a  tin  e  what  horrible  double  will  come  when  wo 
.  n  ?, at  tcse-veB,  all! -should  be  despised  for 
are  told  that  tneac— jcs,  hh-  „„  u.,pr.  Murv 

the  lloa.en  we  have  never  seen     Wi  h  you  here,  Mary, 
1  would  ask  for  nothing  more  celestiall 

I  was  strangely  dissatistlcd  at  the  moment,  and  the 
thouKht  o  being  deprived  of  that  which  my  heart  most 
Sd  lie  n^e  like  a  thousand  others  too  ready  to 
oppose  the  designs  of  the  Almighty. 
Te  gave  me  a  mild  reproof  l>y  ^^^"S:,""?^^'^' '! 
the  Ln  who  spoke  that,  and  not  the  Christum  The 
ovo  of  the  woSd  is  even  with  you  still  too  «  rong." 

u  The  world  Is  beautiful  because  you  are  m  it,  ^^vy\ 
Were  youTo  leave  it,  how  desolate  indeed  xt  would  bo 
Jo  mel  Sterile  and  lonely  as  this  place  appeared  at 
firs"  because  It  is  your  home  it  now  looks  like  a  garden 
of  the  ridiest  (lowers,  and  I  would  fain  have  you  stay 

'TcS^hr' raid  she,  sadly,  "  what  a  short  P-iod  ^^sU 
included  in  the  forever  of  this  life-a  few  years  at  most! 
Mv  stav  may  now  be  but  a  few  weokfl  or  days.  What  a 
'  Iv tus  world  that  will  be  where  there  shall  be  no  more 
Serh^'where  the  Lord  himself  shall  be  present  to 
;fpe^;ay  the  tears  from  every  eye  and  where  there 
Bhall  be  immortality  and  eterualhfel 

There  was  something  in  her  words,  In  her  subdued 
Juaer.  and  in  the  resigned  expression  of  her  countoa- 


■ ,-  *»*{'»*'"«*»'■■' 


OF  A   I'HEAcnEIl. 


101 


,  »•  Buffering  and 

lid  God  give  us 
tH    if    thcHC  are 

II  hiilf-lietulivut 
cara  to  hear,  or  , 
t  and  loviiif?  Iho 
•d  In  our  way  aro 
iiful  degenciacj? 
,  such  a  dc'clrtioti, 
11  come  when  wo 

be  de»liiscd  for 
h  you  here,  Mary, 
1" 

moment,  and  tho 
ich  my  heart  most 
hers  too  ready  to 

dng,  "  Henry,  it  is 

0  Christian.    Tho 
11  too  strong." 

)u  aro  in  it,  Maryl 
indeed  it  would  bo 
place  appeared  at 
looks  like  a  garden 
fain  have  you  stay 

hort  period  maybe 

1  few  years  at  most  1 
B  or  days.    What  a 
jre  shall  be  no  more 
shall  be  present  to 
e,and  where  there 

1" 

rds,  in  her  subdued 

sion  of  her  counton- 


onco,  that  almost  hid  n>o  he  silont.  I"  felt  nn  if  I  woro 
in  the  pnsiMcii  ol"  moimc  Kupcrior  licin;,',  and  that  at  tills 
piiillcular  lime  it  would  ho  wrong,  and  in  a  nirinmT 
unfcelitig,  to  press  hor  altcniion  to  niiilters  not  in  keep- 
ing Willi  the  pious  and  spiritual  londeucy  of  her  inilina- 
tious.  I  also  noticed  that  she  appeared  wearied  and 
languid,  and  that  sho  ncetled  rest;  so,  after  having 
oiTered  up  a  fervent  prayer  in  her  behalf,  1  left  her 
reltietuntly  and  retired  for  Iho  night,  and  though  it  was 
some  hours  before  I  could  com|)oso  myself  to  sleep, 
when  that  came  it  brought  a  dream  to  which  I  could 
give  no  other  interpretation  than  that  there  was  to  bo 
an  api)roaching  sorrow,  and  that  the  Lord  had  an 
intention  concerning  mo  to  try  mo  as  it  were  by  (ire,  to 
test  my  faith  and  conlidence  in  Ilim,  and  to  ask  me  to 
yield  up  some  treasure  of  the  heart  to  which  all  others 
were  incomparable. 

With  all  tho  fortitude  which  religion  is  said  to  give, 
how  the  heart  still  shrinks  from  making  such  a  siicrillcci 
Notwiliistunding  all  that  may  bo  said  about  prayer  and 
faith,  and  trust  and  resignation,  our  feelings  will  yet 
remain  terribly  human;  and  to  be  called  on  to  part  with 
some  kind,  true,  and  valued  friend,  somo  dear  child  on 
whom  our  hopes  arc  fixed,  or  on  tho  tender  partner  of 
tho  bosom;  to  be  asked  to  yield  up  one  or  all  of  theso 
without  munnur  or  complaint,  is,  it  must  be  admitted, 
really  beyond  human  possibility!  Our  emotions  of  love, 
of  joy,  or  of  sorrow,  will  remain  during  life;  they  can- 
not be  circumscrilio<l  even  within  the  boundaries  of 
Heaven;  ami  none  can  be  bereft  of  these,  no  matter  by 
what  intlucncc,  unless  by  somo  degeneration  which 
dehumanizes,  leaving  man,  in  one  sense,  actually  in  a 
lower  and  more  degraded  condition  than  that  of  Iho 
primal  savage  from  which  it  is  said  ho  has  gradually 
ascended!  Oh!  that  Heaven  would  mercifully  spare 
many  and  lesson  tho  bitter  pangs  which  must  follow 
from  premature  and  unoxpocted  boroaveracnts! 


**^«?-i*=.?^--«?--»?itat*t:^.':.  'v^ 


jQj  BEMINISCENCE8 

A  beautiful  Sabbath  morning  followed.    It  wa.  rather 
late  when  I  left   my  room,  and  the  sun  was  shmmg 
^^m^^^^--  >ve  n'et  at  breakfast.    Mrs.  Edgar  had 
2t  a  good  night  and  felt  mueh  better.    I  was  qu  to 
cheeedlw  the  change,  and  as  the  weather  was  mdd  I 
preSd  on  her  to  sit  outside  and  inhale  the  pure  a.r 
S  tie  odor  of  the  early  tlowers  from  the  little  garden 
tn  which  she  took  so  much  interest.    We  had  an  open- 
'JrtivL  that  morning,  and  a  larger  number  of  persons 
than  usual  attended.    Many  I  know  came  nim<^  oui  "/ 
respect  for  her  than  to  hear  what  I  l^-'^^/'f  ;;'^1 
Before  the  conclusion,  our  prayers  were  for  hor,  and 
many  a  hearty  "  Amen!"  was  given  for  the  restoration 

^^"mad?but'fr;  Visits  that  day,  preferring  to  remain 
near  her.  Our  conversation  was  mostly  on  spiritual 
thinc-s,  and  I  remember  she  dwelt  much  on  the  glories 

0  Heaven.    As  day  declined,  we  sat  together  watching 

1  red  light  in  the  West,  but  before  the  setting  sun 
had  disappeared,  a  great  black  cloud  almost  suddens- 
hid  it  from  our  sight  and  soon  overspread  a  great  extent 
aloni  the  horizon,  and  when  night  came  with  seemingly 
Sous  haste,  not  a  solitary  star  could  be  seen  m  the 
Teerless  sky,  and  when  I  turned  to  look  upon  he  pale 
face  near  me,  my  heart  became  inexpressibly  sad. 


:ollowcd.  It  wao  rather 
the  sun  was  shining 
,kiast.  Mi-d.  Edgar  had 
ch  better,  I  was  quite 
the  weather  was  mild  I 
and  inhale  the  pure  air 
5  from  the  little  garden 
irest.  We  had  an  open- 
argcr  number  of  persons 
know  came  more  out  of 
what  I  had  to  deliver, 
lyers  were  for  her,  and 
;iven  for  the  restoration 

lay,  preferring  to  remain 
was  mostly  on  spiritual 
vclt  much  on  the  glories 
ve  sat  together  watching 
b  before  the  setting  sun 
c  cloud  almost  suddenly 
overspread  a  great  extent 
ight  came  with  seemingly 
tar  could  be  seen  in  the 
ed  to  look  upon  the  pale 
!  inexpressibly  sad. 


OF  A  PKEACHEB. 


108 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

SHALL  WE  MEET  AGAIN? 

How  easy  it  is  for  the  comfortable  Christian  who 
knows  nothing  of  the  pangs  of  poverty,  the  sorrows  of 
the  afflicted,  or  the  trials  of  the  tempted,  to  talk  of  sub- 
mission to  the  Divine  Will,  and  to  preach  contentment 
to  those  perplexed  by  withering  care  and  surrounded  by 
a  host  of  difficulties  which  seem  insurmountable!     I 
care  not  who  the  man  may  be.  Christian  or  Pagan,  his 
heart  must  be  greatly  affected  by  such  circumstances; 
and  if  his  religion  be  then  potent  for  good,  it  may  be 
only  sufficiently  so  to  save  him  from  that  black  despair 
which  has  led  many,  not  under  some  restraint  of  the 
kind,  to  be  overwhelmed  and  ready  to  seek  self-destruc- 
tion.   Religion  in  any  form  will  not  bring  exemption 
from  human  suffering.    Faith,  no  matter  how  powerful, 
cannot  insure  us  against  sorrow,  or  enable  us  to  rise 
superior  to  human  feelings.    Nature  is  inexorable  in  its 
demands;  to  these  we  must  inevHably  submit.    There 
is    but   one    release — human    impulses    can   only   be 
quenched  by  death.    No  prayer,  no  tear  of  repentance, 
no  strong  faith,  no  reliance  on  Providence,  can  bring 
immunity  from  tribulation.    The  great   Exemplar  of 
Christians  was  a  "  man  of  sorrows  and  acquainted  with 
grief."    How,  therefore,  can  we    escape?    The  only 
antidote  against  affliction  is  the  grave. 

I  had  been  absent  from  the  mining  district  scarcely  a 
week,  yet  what  a  week  of  doubt  and  uncertainty!  I 
tried  to  hope  that  she  for  whom  I  was  so  much  con- 
cerned would  get  better;  the  bare  idea  of  seeing  her 


Ml 


^Q^  riEMlJflSCENClM 

£rra.luany  fade  away  and  leave  me  was  most  distressing. 
£e  c  m  over  know  how  truly  I  loved  ore  who  sur- 
round      l.y«o  many  harassing  dillicullies,  had  shown 
su      a    Ob  eness  of  spirit,  and  had  proved  herself  sueh 
aheroinel     I  would  not  have  left  her  durmg  herlow 
Jndfeebeeonditiontothe  care  of  others  could  I  po- 
Bibly  have  remained,  but  as  I  had  several  appomtmenls 
whfcl  could  not  easily  be  neglected,  and  certain  par  tie 
Tomeet  who  must  not  if  possible  be  disappointed,  I 
found  myself  placed  in   a  situation  the  most  trying 
rTrt  U  with  her  as  I  did  so  reluctantly,  for  I  knew  she 
renled  every  possible  care,  I  had  the  assurance  o 
Sfriends  that  she  should  have  every  attention  and 
txou-h  I  had  not  the  least  doubt  of  this,  yet  I  eon- 
Idered  that  it  was  my  duty  to  be  near  at  ^n^  x-t-^ 
of  being  miles  away  perhaps  at  a  moment  of  her  great 

''' Stweek  had  now  however  passed  since  I  last  saw 
her,  and  I  was  determined  to  return  and  remain  with 
her  until  there  was  some  satisfactory  ^^P-^o^^"^;^ 
her  condition.    I  had  made  arrangements  for  the  pur- 
pose,  and  was  getting  things  ^cady  so  as  to  be  able  to 
leave  the  next  morning,  when  a  messenger  arrived  all 
the  way  from  Mrs.  Edgar's  to  tell  me  that  she  had  been 
taken  Suddenly  worse,°and  that  if  I  wished  to  see  her 
alive  I  must  make  all  haste  to  the  district. 
.         Such  a  message,  though  not  altogether  unexpected, 
almost  quite  unnerved  me.    I  "^-^^^  ;-;™;J  P^hTd 
tion,  and  it  was  nearly  sunset  when  I  started  off     I  had 
some  miles  to  ride,  and  every  mile  seemed  ^}}^^^oho 
more  than  a  league.    I  went  alone,  for  the  tued  mes- 
senger who  had  travelled  constantly  all  the  way  ofl  f  oot 
had  to  rest;  but  even  were  he  with  me  and  mounted  as 
I  was,  he  could  hardly  keep  up  with  the  pace  with 
iLl    I  hastened.    I  urged   my  horse  to  his  utmost 
rpeed,and  in  my  eagerness    to  get  on  I  thought  he 
never  before  had  made  way  80  slowly. 


OF  A  PliGACnEn. 


106 


LS  most  distressing. 
)Vod  ore,  wlio,  sur- 
iculties,  had  shown 
roved  herself  such 
licr  during  licr  low- 
others  could  I  pos- 
ivcral  appointments 
,  and  certain  parties 
be  disappointed,  I 
)u  the  most  trying, 
ntly,  for  I  knew  she 
,d  the  assurance  of 
every  attention,  and 
it  of  this,  yet  I  con- 
lear  at  hand  instead 
lomentof  hcrgreat- 

isscd  since  I  last  saw 
rn  and  remain  with 
lory  improvement  in 
gements  for  the  pur- 
y  so  as  to  be  able  to 
nessenger  arrived  all 
me  that  she  had  been 
E  I  wished  to  see  her 
district. 

together  unexpected, 
de  a  hurried  prepara- 
n  I  started  off.    I  had 
c  seemed  then  to  be 
.e,for  the  thed  raes- 
Lly  all  the  way  otl  foot, 
h  mo,  and  mounted  as 
1  with  the  pace  with 
y  horse  to  his  utmost 
get  on  I  thought  he 
)wly. 


It  soon  grew  quite  dark,  and  the  darkness  brought 
melancholy  rullectioiis.    The  road  at  the  best  of  times 
was  rough  and  winding,  intersected  by  others  just  as 
rough  which  led  in  different  directions,  and  I  had  there- 
fore most  reluctantly  to  allow  the  horse  to  guide  him- 
self, and  when  after  tedious  hours  I  got  at  last  to  the 
hill-top  where  I  usually  took  my  survey  of  the  lonely 
dwelling  which  I  was  at  this  late  hour  about  to  enter,  a 
strange  sadness  came  over  me;  all  was  still  save  the 
wandering  night  wind  which  now  seemed  to  rush  with 
mournful  sound  from  the  distant  hills;  heavy  clouds 
were  massed  overhead;  no  star  appeared  in  the  black 
sKy,  and  all  around  seemed  dreary  and  disconsolate.    I 
halted  here   for  a  few  moments  to  look  toward  the 
house.    What  a  change!     No  friendly  voice  met  my 
ear,  no  child's  laugh  was  heard  in  the  distance.    The 
very  air  oppressed  mc  with  its  solemnity,  and  I  felt  like 
one  suddenly  bereft  of  every  friend  and  deprived  of 
human  sympathy.     Still  looking  forward  in   the  old 
direction,  I  knew  by  the  feeble  light  which  glimmered 
from  one  of  the  windows  that  some  kind  watcher  was 
hy  the  bedside  of  the  stricken  one,  and  I  had  a  sad  im- 
pression at  the  moment  that  the  little  ray  which  made 
the  surrounding  gloom  more  desolate  and  depressing, 
was  significant,  and  might  be  compared  by  some  to  the 
lingering  soul  or  vitality,  then  perhaps  about  to  leave 
the  frail  tenement  it  had  long  inhabited  to  be  swallowed 
up  in  the  interminable  night  of  eternity. 

I  dismounted  a  short  distance  from  the  house  so  that 
no  sound  of  my  arrival  should  reach  the  ear  of  any.  I 
led  the  animal  to  the  little  shed  where  I  usually  left 
him,  and  there  I  found  Simon  Blair.  In  a  few  sad 
words  he  gave  mc  to  understand  that  he  thought  all 
would  soon  be  over.  After  this  other  friends  caine  and 
merely  shook  ray  hand  in  silence,  as  if  afraid  to  speak 
on  the  distressing  subject. 

i        . 


JQ0  BEMINISCENCE8 

rhil.l-  but  in  the  wonacrfuUy  calm  face  of  the  tcnuer 
faJent  the  "seemed  to  be  already  stealing  the  solemn 
shadow  of  death. 
Ohl  what  were  my  feelings  at  the  momentl    The 

*T'sL°'"is"d't»c«      mae;"nd  ..owly  reaching 
:;^'h*„T«.Ul  it  rested  on  my  head,  she  eofUy 

°'!'StyThe  pe.ec  of  God  «h,ch  pa^eth  M,  unde.tand- 
!„., rest  and  abide  M-ith  you  torevorl    Ohl  Hear,,  UM 


ic  apartment  where 
iiishin^  now  in  the 
I  sat  near  the  win- 
y  asleep  on  the  bed; 
who  appeared  to  be 
e  brown  hair  of  the 
face  of  the  tender 
r  stealing  the  solemn 

the  momentl    The 
ly  existence  a  special 
ly  another,  and  1  was 
if  my  solitaiy  journey 
38t  all  hope.    In  my 
It  the  need  of  some 
g  by  the  bedside,  I 
lands  and  compressed 
ord.    My  silent  tears 
31-8  could  convey  my 
tl  God  in  his  pity,  I 
,r  while  with  upturned 
n,  I  heard  a  voice,  an 
t,  veritable  voice  as  of 
(cemed  to  shine,  a  soft 
lid  imagine  could  only 
%\  throne,  now  beamed 
[,  Ohl  how  tenderly  on 
>',  and  slowly  reaching 
n  my  head,  she  softly 

passeth  all  understand- 
jver!  Ohl  Henrj-,  this 
for  our  parting.  How 
nowl  God  be  praised  I 
-aise  Godl" 
,  not  yet  reply,  but  she 


OF    A    I'niiACIIEn. 


107 


gently  took  my  hand,  and  looking  into  my  face  with  an 
angelic  smile,  slio  continued  in  a  low  voice,  scarcely 
above  a  whisper: — 

"  lie  will  put  away  all  tears.  You  will  not  be  alone. 
He  will  be  your  comforter— your  comforter— when  I  am 
gone.  I  shall  leave  you  for  a  little  while,  but  we  shall 
meet— wc  shall  meet  agaiul  " 

I  now  made  an  effort  to  speak.  "  Ohl  Mary,  can  you 
not  remain?  Must  you  leave  rac  alone,  alone,  in  this 
cold  world?" 

I  could  say  no  more,  my  voice  failed,  and  tears 
streamed  down  my  checks.  Her  gaze  was  fixed  on  my 
face  with  a  pitying  look,  and  a  tear  gathered  iu  her  eye 
as  if  it  were  the  last  pearly  drop  drained  from  her  cup 
of  grief.  Seeing  this  I  strove  to  look  reconciled  and 
tried  to  smile  in  roturn.  Now  was  the  time  to  show  the 
fortitude  which  religion  gives,  but,  alas  I  iu  this  moment 
of  heavy  trial— almost  of  despair— it  was  to  mc  of  little 
help;  it  was  frail  as  u  reed  shaken  in  the  wind,  and 
gave  mc  no  positive  support.  If  our  light  alllictions  arc 
but  for  a  moment,  they  are,  while  they  last,  alllictious 
many  of  them  by  no  means  "liglit,"  but  altogether 
beyond  the  control  of  that  adventitious  aid  which  the 
excitedly  pious  aud  the  ascetic  tell  us  wc  may  expect  in 
seasons  of  anguish  and  bereavement.  There  is  a  kind 
of  relief  in  prayer;  there  is  a  vague  feeling  of  comfort 
in  hope— the  hope  to  meet  again  in  another  and  h 
better  world— that  is  all;  and  in  this  expectation  we 
must  eventually  rest  content  and  look  no  furihur. 

"  If  I  have  any  regrets  now,"  said  she,  in  a  low,  weak 
voice,  "  it  is  that  alone  of  leaving  my  poor  child  and 
yourself;  but  I  leave  her  to  God  and  to  you.  I  kuow 
you  will  accept  the  charge  and  do  for  her  as  if  she  were 
your  own.  You  will  be  a  father  and  protector  to  the 
orphan." 

I  gave  her  every  assurance,  if  such  were  needed,  that 


jflg  nEMIN18CENCE8 

among  tta  mlccmcJ,  w her.  Ibcrc  ™uu> 

rr-ve-rz" ret  of  SvSo.,  „,/*  ...c 

..„  him,  a»a  they  which  pierced  hnn;  .mUll  kindicU 

°'  ''';,""^:k:rt7'  rrLt  rih:;:..  u. 
rhUin;nc.a„ahe,-,^^^^^^^^ 

Sr--"  ToT  .  r  otcnr^m  I  .ivc  .0  cat  or 
?r  ,  „f  me  which  U  m  the  midst  ot  the  pariulise  ot 
?:;"1°"  VJutihtul  un.0  dca,h,«nai«iiigi.o 
&0.1.  —  lie  i»"  .._u And  I  will  give  him  the  n""'"- 
irAw  °  Sh  ™;carcd  «  U>kc  grLt  delight  in  thee 
mgstar.      »»»  »"         ^     j„  „pc„t  every  vcr.c  ol 

"^Sr  »pau,oshorepcated  the  de.erip.ion, a.  ^venb, 
,rin  l4mo.  o.  the  throne  .et  1^»_,-;— *  *° 

Jasper  and  a  '"'J^  .t°°';-„h°Si;r^  cdet-h  ont  ol  the 

throne  oi  int  ^      ^  ^^^^  ^j  q^^  m 

^  W  £0^' tretke  ^^^^^^^  brass  as  if  they  burned 
Tn  a  furna  e  "Xse  voice  was  "  as  the  sound  of  many 
water  J^^  and  '^out  of  whose  mouth  went  a  sharp  two- 


.fc-«»e(^C3*rt<4i*l.'' 


».»a-»ws^'-3^*''^^*s»'=«^*^- 


OF  A   PREACHER. 


100 


3aro  for  hcv  as  long 
comfortea,  and  told 

Bhc  would  soon  bo 
0  would  bo  no  more 

tUcn  she  repeated 
jvclalions,  which  she 

J,  and  every  eye  shall 
iin;  and  all  kindreds 
!  of  him-,    even   so, 
llrst  and  the  last;  ho 
lioldl   I  am  alive  for- 
thc  keys  of  hell  and 
th  will  I  give  to  cat  of 
idst  of  the  paradise  of 
death,  and  I  will  give 
ill  give  him  the  morn- 
great  delight  in  these 
cpeat  every   verse  of 
turcs  which  has  often 
saints,  but,  strange  to 
ras  doubted,  and  is  still 
Christian  men,  among 
:alvin,  and  other  great 

description,  as  given  by 
set  in  heaven  with  the 
like  unto  an  emerald," 
ig  to  look  upon  "  like  a 
d  of  the  "lightnings  and 
h  procccdeth  out  of  the 
ose  "head  and  hairs  were 
ere  "as  a  flame  of  fire," 
e  brass  as  if  they  burned 
"as  the  sound  of  many 
mouth  went  a  sharp  two- 


edged  sword;  "  of  the  "  seven  lamps-thc  seven  spirits 
of  God  "  burning  before  the  throne;  of  (he  "sea  of  -'lass 
like  unto  crystal;"  of  the  four  and  twenty  ciders  dolled 
in  white  raiment,  having  harps,  and  upon  their  heads 
"crowns  of  gold,"  whicli  were  cast  before  the  Ihronc 
when  the  elders  fell  down  to  worship  the  Lamb,  which 
had  "seven  horns  and  seven  eyes;"  and  of  how  (ho 
souls  of  those  that  were  slain  for  the  word  of  God  and 
for  the  testimony  wliich  (hey  held,  cried  with  a  loud 
voice,  "How  long,  O  Lord,  holy  and  true,  dost  thou 
not  judge  and  avenge  our  blood  on  them  that  dwell  on 
the  earth?"  and  (hen,  wlien  (he  linal  (line  eame,  how  the 
flying  angel  proclaimed,  "  O  woe  "  to  the  inhabitants 
of  the  earth,  the  sun  becoming  "  black,"  the  moon  as 
"blood,"  (he  8(ar3  of  heaven  "falling,"   (he  heaven 
dcpardng  as  "  a  scroll  when  it  is  rolled  togetlier,"  every 
moun(ain  and  island  " moved  out  of  tkeir  places;"  and 
of  liow  the-  wicked  by  implieation— "  (he  kings  of  (ho 
cardi,  and  the  great  men,  and  the  rich  mem"  and  tlie 
chief  captains,  and  the  mlglity  men,  and  every  bond- 
man and  every  freeman  hid  themselves  in  the  dens  and 
in  the  rocks  of  the  mountains,  and  said  to  the  moun- 
tains and  rocks:  " '  Fall  on  us  and  hide  us  from  (he  face 
of  him  that  sitteth  on  the  throne,  and  from  the  wrath 
of  the  Lamb;  for  the  great  day  of  his  wrath  is  come, and 
who  shall  bo  able  to  stand? '  " 

How  unaccountable  it  would  seem,  that  while  the 
pious  Christian  can  read  with  delight  (ho  tender  and 
affectionate  promises  of  God  to  his  waiting  saints,  he 
can  apparently  approve  of  a  demand  for  vcngeanec,  and 
look  with  satisfaction,  even  to  exultation,  on  the 
condition  of  those  who  finally  condemned  rush  to  tiy 
and  hide  themselves  in  dens  and  rocks  "  from  the  wrath 
of  the  Lamb!" 

After  this  she  gave  a  description  of  the  holy  city  "  of 
pure  gold,"  the  New  Jerusalem,  with  its  foundations  of 


ill 


!  i 


?.\ 


P 
1 

If 

i    I 


I    i 


110 


RKMIN18CENCE8 


precious  stones,  and  it«  groat  wall  o  jasper,  which  came 
Sown  from  (;oa  out  of  heaven;  with  its  twelve  pearly 
gLs,  each  gate  he.ng  a  single  pearl,  a.ul  .Is  streets  of 
Lure. 'Old"  transparent  as  glass;  the  beautiful  city 
of'uod  which  had  ''  no  need  of  the  sun  nculher  oij^ 
moon  to  shine  in  it  "-"for  there  shall  be  no  mght 
Xre;''  "for  the  glory  of  God  did  lighten  it,  a.ul  the 
Lamb  ix  the  light  thereof."  , 

The  mysterious  narrative  of  John  the  Divine  is  even 
io  this  day  a  source  of  perplexity  to  many  of  our  most 
earned  aiul  ingenuous  commentators.  The  humb  e  bc- 
I'vereWing,  however,  on  this  as  the  latest  reveatiou 
from  God,  readily  accepts  it,  and  adds  a  spmtual  signil  - 
canee  to  the  alleged  incongruous  and  matenahstio  de- 
scription given  in  the  Apocalyptic  visions;  tracing  m 
each  chai^tcr  oi  scene  some  prophetic  igurative,  or 
cmblemaiic  resemblance  which  enhances  us  pious  satis- 
""  while  those  of  "little  faith,"  wander,  as  it  were 
inanUst,  and  are  harassed  by  doubts  bordering  nearly 

on  total  unbelief.  .         ,  •    i  „* 

Midnight  had  passed  and  she  slept  agam,  a  kind  of 
deZl-P  as  if  it  were  the  prelude  to  that  eternal  res 
Sh  was  soon  to  follow.   What  a  dread  repose  she  had 
nowl    While  in  this  state  the  weather  changed,  the  lain 
?ell  heavily,  and  the  night-blast  blew  the  dmps  against 
the  window  panes,  making  my  situation  still  more  mel- 
ancholy.   I  tried  to  think,  but  my  thoughts  were  frag- 
mentaiT  on  auv  other  subject  than  the  sorrowful  one 
wS  now  so  much  depressed  me.    I  had  to  think  of 
her  who  I  was  now  convinced  was  shortly-pcvhaps 
wiJhin  an  hour-to  leave  me  forever.    There  she  lay 
wi  h  her  poor,  pale,  and  worn  face,  her  troubles,  trials 
iptsiruti;n^almostended;herthiuhandstmrestu^^ 

on  the  head  of  her  child.    Listl-she  ""^  mutters-is  i 
a  dream?    She  is  at  home  again  among  the  friends  of 
her  youth.    She  smiles,  and  with  words  of  tenderest  af- 


WSO*^/-^^'^''*  S'**^"';'.*^'*- 


X^a^*«^^fc^^^-V.-4^^S»t^?**'^^«*^ 


OK    A    I'liKACIIEIl. 


HI 


jasper,  which  came 
its  twelve  pearly 
,  aiul  lis  streets  of 
the  beautiful  city 
sun,  neither  of  the 
shall  be  no  night 
lighten  it,  and  tho 

the  Divine  is  even 
)  many  of  our  most 
•8.  The  humble  bc- 
the  latest  revelation 
Is  a  spiritual  signill- 
ntl  materialistic  dc- 

visious;  tracing  In 
)hctic,  liguratlve,  or 
ances  his  pious  aatis- 
'  wander,  as  It  were, 
bts  bordering  nearly 

ept  again,  a  kind  of 
to  that  eternal  rest 
dread  repose  she  had 
her  changed,  the  rain 
iw  the  drops  against 
latlon  still  more  mel- 
y  thoughts  were  frag- 
Ln  tho  sorrowful  one 
3.    I  had  to  think  of 
was  shortly— perhaps 
!ver.    There  she  lay, 
3,  her  troubles,  trials 
•thin hand  still  resting 
she  now  mutters — U  It 
imong  the  friends  of 
words  of  tendcrcst  af- 


fection greets  once  more  her  father  and  mother!  la 
fancy  her  care  seems  to  be  for-olten.  and  her  wearying 
an-m^h  to  have  i)asso(l  away.  lu  her  wonted  i.mocenco 
she  ad.Iresses  her  brother,  and  is  oviilently  .leli.ditcd 
witli  liis  fancied  reply.  How  happy  she,  seemslllho 
loved  ones  liave  come  back,  and  she  is  with  them  a-zaiu. 
Thank  (}od,  for  even  this  short  return  of  earthly  fefieiiy 
ere  she  leaves  a  world  which  has  been  so  cold  and  un- 
kind,  for  that  land  of  pure  delight,  where  the  wicked 
cease  from  troubling  and  where  the  weary  are  at  rest. 
Praise  (Jod  for  the  momentary  forgetfulness  of  her  "reat 
wwags!  " 

List  again  I     The  wind  raises  Its  mournful  voice,  and 
with  increased  violence  .dashes  tlie  rain  ag.unst  the  win- 
dows  which  rattle  at  every  rush  of  the  wild  blast.    List  I 
she  tries  to  sing;  she  hears  the  wind,  and  peiliaps  fan- 
cies It  is  the  heavenly  ehoir,   or  happily  thinks  it  is 
?onie  greeting  voice  from  the  dim  shore  which  she  Is 
approaching;  and  now  she  speaks.    "  Hear  those  sweet 
voices;  they  call -they  call,  and  bid  me  to  come.  Look! 
how  beautiful  they  are;  they  await,  and  I  must  away!" 
She  opens  her  eyes  for  a  moment,  and  closes  tliera  again 
as  if  to  prolong  tho  mental  gaze  of  the  ecstatic  vision' 
and  another  apparently  blissful  slumber  fo  lows.    An- 
other hour  has  passed,  one  evidently  of  felicity  to  her 
for  her  smile  remains,  and  her  lips  occasionally  mutter 
words  of  happiness  and  faint  expressions  of  the  "real est 
pleasure.    IIow  grateful  I  feel  for  this!  yet  it°cannot 
last  long,  for  her  poor  worn  body  seems  to  be  giviu'- 
way,  her  prostrate  form  is  unable  to  withstand  the  men" 
tal  reaction;  even  the  fancied  return  of  carthlv  happi- 
ness  is  too  much  for  the  frail  tenement. 

Tho  rain  has  ceased,  and  it  is  calm  again,  but  there  is 
an  approaching  gloom  which  may  remain  forever.  Tho 
shadows  of  death  now  huiTy  around  her,  and  gather 
thick  upon  her  worn  features.    Yet  no  shadow  of  the 


;^*4^^taS!t=*«S9s^U^*WS''*^ 


h  ili- 


112 


UEMINISCKNCEfi 


11       ! 


King  of  Terrors  can  hide  the  heavenly  smile  which  lights 
her  lace,  and  no  tiown  of  the  DcHlroyc/  can  chaao  away 
the  calm  expression  of  triumph  which  has  Hcttli'd  on  her 
countenance.  Her  eyes  open  again.  What  a  light  seems 
to  ho  in  her  transient  gazel  She  looks  at  her  child,  and 
then  at  me,  and  while  she  feebly  presses  my  hand,  I  turn 
aside  from  the  pitiful  sight,  almost  overcome,  and  look 
up  to  heaven.  The  sky  is  clear,  where  I  view,  as  if  there 
was  an  opening  in  the  firmament  to  admit  a  pure  spirit 
to  Paradise.  A  lone  bright  star  now  appears,  as  if  some 
celestial  messenger  w.is  in  waiting  to  conduct  her  homo. 
I  sought  her  face  again,  and  she  noticed  my  parting 
look  with  the  same  smile.  Her  lips  moved;  I  could  just 
hear  her  mutter  the  words,  "  Praise  God!"  I  saw  her 
look  up  at  the  star,  and  then  letting  her  wearied  lids 
close,  my  earthly  angel  left  me  to  join, I  would  fain  hope, 
the  sanctified  host  in  heaven. 

She  is  gone!  Ilcr  life  and  death  did  more  to  human- 
ize the  neglected  people  of  that  dreary  district  than  all 
the  prayers  or  preaching  Ihcy  had  ever  heard.  A  day  or 
two  before  she  died,  she  requested  that  her  body  should 
not  be  taken  away,  but  left  among  the  poor  and  almost 
despised  class  whom,  she  had  tried  to  serve ;  the  only 
beings  who  since  her  great  trouble  had  ever  been  truly 
and  disinterestedly  kind  to  her.  In  a  retired  spot,  on 
the  slope  of  one  of  the  distant  hills,  she  still  lies.  Ilcr 
grave  is  shaded  by  willows  planted  by  Simon  Blair.  A 
little  moss-covered  head-stouc  tells  her  name ;  and  year 
after  year,  as  we  have  made  a  pilgrimage  to  that  sacred 
place,  the  fresh  flowers  to  be  seen  about  the  lonely 
mound  were  a  feeling  evidence  that  her  memory  was 
cherished  by  those  who  were  once  supposed  to  be  with- 
out gratitude  or  human  hearts. 

Fifteen  years  have  passed  since  that  grave  was  closed 
on  the  hill-side  hiding  forever  from  my  sight  one  of  the 
most  true,  gcutlc,  and  submissive  beings  that  ever  cnno- 


„ . ,  j,„^y^.»;7^A^|>t***l^"  t*»^  ■ '■ '- 


* '»;«Ji.^i*E**     S 


y^ 


fCEfl 

rcnly  smile  which  lights 
Hlroyc/  can  cliuao  away 
I'hich  has  Hcttlwl  on  lu>r 
in.  What  a  light  secina 
looks  at  her  cliiUl,  and 
presaos  my  hand,  I  turn 
)st  overcome,  and  look 
here  I  view,  as  if  there 
.  to  admit  a  pure  spirit 
now  appears,  as  if  some 
ig  to  conduct  her  homo, 
he  noticed  my  parting 
ips  moved;  I  could  just 
raise  God!"  I  saw  her 
Iting  her  wearied  lids 
join, I  would  fain  hope, 

ith  did  more  to  human- 
dreary  district  than  all 
d  ever  heard.  A  day  or 
3d  that  her  body  should 
ig  the  poor  and  almost 
:ried  to  serve ;  the  only 
hie  had  over  been  truly 
In  a  retired  spot,  on 
lills,  she  still  lies.    Ilcr 
cd  by  Simon  Blair.    A 
ells  her  name ;  and  year 
Igrimagc  to  that  sacred 
seen  about  the  lonely, 
that  her  memory  was 
ce  supposed  to  be  with- 


OF  A    I'llEAOUEU. 


nz 


Med  humanity.  And  the  mound  is  now  beneath  the 
willows.  Kre  the  fourth  Hpiliig-linie  i);issed  from  the 
period  of  her  molhor's  death,  little  May  was  taken  like 
a  riirc!  /lower  from  my  garden  to  be  placed  beside  those 
covering  her  parent's  resting  place.  There  they  still  lio 
side  by  side.  In  death  they  are  not  divided.  Many  an 
eye  has  been  thoughtfully  turned  towanl  heaven  from 
that  sacred  spot;  many  a  stern  heart  has  tliure  been 
softened,  and  many  a  stubborn  spirit  humbled  while 
dwelling  on  the  patient  sufferings  of  one  whose  life  was 
spent  in  making  seH'-sacrilices  for  others;  and  many  a 
sigh  has  there  been  heaved  from  feeling  that  the  voice 
which  once  gave  such  genllo  admonitions  is  now  silent 
forever.  IJut  hushed  though  it  be,  her  memory  yet 
lives  and  awakes  solemn  thoughts  whiuh  cannot  bo 
resisted  by  the  most  careless.  And  in  quiet  hours  those 
who  visit  the  graves  in  that  uncousecrated  ground  feel 
that  th<^  i>lace  is  holy,  and  are  pressed  to  serious  reflec- 
tion, and  led  to  consider  the  shortness  of  human  life, 
and  to  feel  that—"  As  for  man  his  days  are  as  grass;  as 
a  flower  of  the  field  so  he  llourisheth;  for  the  wind  pass- 
eth  over  it  and  it  is  gone ;  and  the  place  thereof  shall 
know  it  no  more."* 


*  Tbo  maiu  iucideuts  ol  this  story  aro  f oundod  ou  (act. 


;e  that  grave  was  closed 
om  my  sight  one  of  the 
e  beings  that  ever  cnno- 


iJai«ua^--'*>-*  '■"'"' ' 


m 


IIEMINIHCENCEB 


CIIAITKU  XV. 
D11EAM8  AND  WITCHES. 
TTow  Iho  voar«  havo  houn-l.-l  l>yl     To  mo  their  stay 

pha.,.,  of  '1'^'™;'°';"';' \';, ;'     ifvUlual,   While  Ihluk. 
pic,  many  o    - J;»»;; ^^^  .^  ^  „  ,„„^  ^hat  another  person 


^5r?n!PS?sBr5»^ 


OK    A    niKACllKII. 


US 


C1IF.9. 

,yl    To  niP  their  «tay 
It ninrf  rapitl.  Hpilnj;, 
lie  imd  piiHS  awny  In 
ihillollUc  their  speed 
1 1  am  becoming  ngcil, 
one  la  Heiirch  of  oth- 
liiul  many  absent  who 
iiln  la  the  (lunitlon  of 
i;r,  han   its  wonderful 
ok  back  and  recall  the 
ity  of  dlsposlllon  which 
ilividuaLs.  While  Ihink- 
vere  looking  at  pictures 
se  who  liavo  departed; 
alturcH,  1  am  often  re- 
ine  of  those  whom  the 
nilncnt.     An  impartial 
cputcd  just  man  blush 

lie  among  religious  peo- 
0  be  remarkably  pious,  I 
liem  that  another  person 
o  while  away  many  an 
Is  of  matters  and  things 
rcrs,  which  go  to  prove 
professions  of  many  who 
Lhcir  love  of  the  world  is 
still  active,  their  bl-jotry 


intenso,  their  crodiility  mmzin-,',  and  even  thoif  »<opti- 
cism  aHl,.niHl,lng.  Ah  m.n.e  <.r  ,„v  cntrieH  im.y  ap,„  ar 
parmloxicMl,  1  hIimII  Jure  Htate  llial  I  Miall  be  purtieular 
Willi  detailM,  ami  nhall  mt  notliin-  d.iwn  which  has  not 
cotn(!  under  my  (.(^(Mvation,  or  which  has  not  lo  Uio 
bcHt  of  my  knowledge  been  foiUKh'd  on  fael. 

Am  I  have  before  Htal...!,  it  \a  a  gn.'at  ndMake  to  Hup- 
pose  that  the  go,iIy  are  any  more  live  from  trials  and 
temptations  tiian  oihors.  I  have  liad  singular  cxemi.li- 
flcations  of  liow  restlesH,  how  dlssatisiied,  how  envious 
how  malicious,  iiow  desponding,  nn.l  how  unbelieving' 
are  numbers  wiio  are  not  only  i.rominent  Christians- 
enrolled  menibeiH  of  (he  clairdi-some  of  whom  havo 
been  ordaini.i  expounders  of  tli(«  (iospel  itself.  I  shall 
not  try  to  illuslrato  this  l,y  giving  evidence  in  an  order 
corresponding  fo  the  characteristics  noted.  I  shall  com- 
mence  with  tlioso  whose  failings  or  peculiarities  strike 
mc  at  present  most  forcibly. 

"  I  have  spent  ii  restless  night  and  have  liad  a  singn- 
lar  dream,  one  that  impresses  me  strangi-ly.  i  u-ny  I 
shall  be  good  for  nothing  the  next  twcnt^^-four  liours." 
Those  were  the  (Irst  words  addressed  to  me  by  (he  Su- 
perintendent of  our  circuit  as  he  made  his  appearance 
after  breakfast  on  (he  morning  after  our  arrival  at  a  town 
in  the  north  of  England.  A  missionary  meeting  was  (o 
be  held  there  that  night,  and  he  said  he  was  doubtful  of 
being  able  to  make  the  address,  or  rather  tlie  appeal, 
expected  from  liim  on  that  occasion. 

"  TutI"  said  I  in  reply,  "what's  in  a  dream?  Nothing. 
A  heavy  supper  has  given  birth  to  many  a  phantom. 
You  were  hungry  after  your  long  ride  yesterday,  and 
probably  ato  more  than  usual.  Take  a  rest  for  an  hour 
or  so  on  that  sofa  while  I  read  you  the  report  left  l)y  the 
Secretary;  this  will  enable  you  to  collect  your  thou'^-hts, 
and  you  will  be  all  right."  " 

"  You  seem  to  think  there  is  nothing  in  dreams,"  said 


116 


KKMlXlSCIiNCES 


he,  Btrctching  himself  on  the  ^^'^-    '['^''f^l^f'^'Z 
Ov  t  s.,  uvun-  rcli<nou8  people  should  b<;  doubtful  on  tho 
sulct         n --ive  dieam.  should  he  considered  reve- 
Sns-  they  were  so  eonsulered  in  former  times     Do 
0  n^  m:iof  .Joseph's  dream  and  of  I'J' ''-''' fj^^^^ 
God  came  to  Abimclech,to  Jacob,  to  Laban,  and  to  So  - 
o^on  in  a  dreamt     And  later,  in  the  New  Te— ^ 
were  not  Joseph  and  Mary  warned  u    a  ^r^^'"?  ^^^ 
not  Pilate's  wife  feel  troubled  by  her  dream?    And  are 
Te  no  told  in  Acts  that  in  the  last  days  that  young  men 
Than  see  visions,  and  that  old  men  shall  dream  dreams? 
An    yet  half-Hedged  sceptics  in  the  church,  as  we  1  as 
out  o   it,  teU  us  to  place  no  reliance  on  what  may  be  the 
Chle^tial  warnings  of  the  night  season     I  beheve  m 
dreams  as  firmlv  as  I  believe  in  the  lUblc.    There  is 
notirg  tn  that  .acred  book,  no  matter  how  far  l^yond 
mv  comprehension,  that  I  do  not  accept  as  tru  h. 
^'iTdmit,'' I  replied,  "that  the  BU,le  has  led  many 
to  suppose  hat,  in  several  cases,  dreams  were  intended 
as  revelations  fU  the  Deity,  but  whh  many  others  the 
op inTon  now  prevails  that  the  time  for  such  revela  ion 
as  well  as  for  miracles,  has  passed,  their  original  pur- 
pose having  it  is  presumed  been  accomphshed 
*  "Not  at  all,  not  at  all,"  said  he,  hastily,  " God  stUl 
deals  with  us  in  dreams  and  visions  of    he  night,  lis 
pans  are  unchangeable.    Even  in  mid-day  slumber  he 
Cifted  the  veil  to  reveal  the  future,  and  to  prove  tha 
dreams  may  still  be  relied  on.   You  have  heard  no  doubt 
o  th™  singular  instance  of  the  fulfillment  of  a  dream  as 
recorded  in  one  of  our  magazines.    Brother  -—  arrives 
at  acertain  place  where  he  is  to  preach  that  evening. 
Bell  "fatigued,  he  retires  in  the  heat  of  the  day  to  a 
fummei-houscand  is  soon  overcome  by  s^ep.    Wii  e 
in  this  condition  an  eminent  preacher  with  pale  face 
and  "loomy  countenance  appears   before   him.     iUo 
sleeper  is  sLtled.  and  upon  inquiry  is  informed  by  his 


sci;nce8 

3  sofa.    "  Well,  'tis  stronge 
0  should  b<!  doubtful  on  the 
s  should  be  considered  reve- 
lered  in  former  times.    Do 
m  and  of  Pharaoh' s?-of  how 
Jacob,  to  Laban,  and  to  Sol- 
der, in  the  New  Testament, 
■y  warned  in  a  dream?    Did 
ed  by  her  dream?    And  are 
the  last  days  that  young  men 
,ld  men  shall  dream  dreams? 
ic3  in  the  chnrch,  as  well  as 
,  reliance  on  what  may  be  tlie 
ic  night  season.    I  believe  in 
lieve  in  the  T.ible.    There  is 
3k,  no  matter  how  far  beyond 
do  not  accept  as  truth." 
that  the  Bible  has  led  many 
cases,  dreams  were  intended 
ity,  but  with  many  others  the 
the  time  for  such  revelations, 
as  passed,  their  original  pur- 
\  been  accomplished." 
,"8aid  he,  hastily,  "God  still 
md  visions"  of  the  night;  his 
Even  in  mid-day  slumber  he 
d  the  future,  and  to  prove  that 
on.   Yon  have  heard  no  doubt 
f  the  fulfillment  of  a  dream  as 

igazines.    Brother arrives 

;  he  is  to  preach  that  evening. 
:s  in  the  heat  of  the  day  to  a 
on  overcome  by  sleep.  While 
inent  preacher  with  pale  face 
c  appears  before  him.  The 
pon  inquiry  is  informed  by  his 


OF  A   PREACHER. 


117 


phantom  visitor  that  ho  had  but  just  left  this  state  of 
existence;  that  having  been  loo  desirous  of  being  held 
high  in  the  estimation  of  the  religious  world,  he  had  in 
a  manner  preached  himself  rather  than  Christ,  and  that 
for  his  impious  pride  he  had  been  suddenly  cut  ofT  and 
condemned.  The  vision  disappeared,  and  tlic  sleeper 
awoke  greatly  troubled.  On  liis  way  to  the  chapel  he 
meets  some  friends  who  sorrowfully  inform  him  that  the 
eminent  servant  of  God,  Brother ,  liad  that  after- 
noon suddenly  expired  I*  Now  what  do  you  think  of 
that?" 

I  replied  that  I  remembered  having  read  of  that  cir- 
cumstance. "  The  coincidence  as  to  the  death  was 
rather  remarkable,  but,"  said  I,  "  I  dare  not  believe  on 
such  evidence,  that  so  distinguished  a  preacher  was 
eternally  lost.  In  fact,  in  our  old  magazines,  too  many 
Tories  and  anecdotes  of  this  character  were  inserted. 
It  was  found  that  these  rather  encouraged  a  too  ready 
belief  in  what  might  now  be  termed  'old  wives' 
fables.'  Indeed,  you  know  that  even  gospel  incidents 
have  been  called  such  by  many  of  the  reputed  wise  and 
learned  of  our  day.  So  it  was  directed,  I  presume,  by 
the  pul)lishing  committee,  that  subsequent  numbers  of 
the  Methodist  Magazine  should  omit  startling  items 
relating  to  a  'Remarkable  Providancc,'  'The  Provi- 
dence of  God  Displayed,'  'The  Providence  of  God 
Asserted';  and  stories  bearing  on  the  unnatural  or  im- 
probable which  caught  the  attention  of  certain  readers 
more  readily  than  the  memoirs,  biographies,  sermons, 
religious  essays,  critical  explanations  or  illustrations  of 
texts,  and  missionary  intelligence  for  which  the  maga- 
ziaes  are  now  more  specially  intended." 

"OhI  yes,"  replied  he,  hastily,  "everything  relating 
to  Providential  interferences  or  remarkable  interi)osi- 
tions,  was   excluded  as  rather  favoring  the   idea   of 

*  Such  an  aceouut  appeared  In  ouo  of  tLo  ol3  Armiuian  or  Moth, 
odist  magazines. 


L 


j^g  REMINISCENCES 

donees,  or  even  in  waches  and  ^^  y.,j„, 
had  undoubted  aulUon  y  ^ «^  !^^"  .^^^'^^  i„„ate  con- 
Revelation.  His  i^^  [irVs  rebuk  to  those 
vietions  on  tlxese  mat  ers.  "'■^^  f  J'^^'^  j,  t,„e,  like- 
who  affected  a  disbelief  in  witches  It  s  t 
.i.e,  that  tl.  English  in^gc^a,^-^^^,,  of 
the  men   of  Euro  e,  have  feiv         i  ^ 

.itches  and  ^^^ZJ^^  opportunity  of 
am  sorry  for  it,  and  i  \mi m    >  ^  j    ^  corn- 

entering  my  solemn  protest  .^un  t  t  ^^ 

pli„.ent  which  ««  "7X^\,'^^rowe  them  no' such 

those  -»^o^.^^^„"^,,'i^^^^^^^^^  are  at  the  bottom  of 

service.    I  take  Knowicuo  ^^^  .^^^ 

the  outcry  which  has  been  I'^'-^^.^.^^n,,,,  oppo- 

account  of  the  intercourse  of  '"^•^^^^^^  ^^  air-Deism, 
he  admitted,  their  -^^^^  ^  f  ,  ".,  J;,d.  I  know 
^^'"^1  'uS:r.rh^^    e  :ho:;d"su^     even  this 

-:;r:i:::^aou^ofo.i.n^^^^^ 

are  numerous   arguments   besides,    vhi  ha  i^ 

""■'L  he  further  ^id:  •  While  1  |'-;'^;;;"'„f  ::„;t 

craft.    VoutdonuUof  Ite  fimiM       "  .  y,, 

Deists,   and   »lmi.lo   <;hrat...i..   l>a  ui, 


L 


KCES 

hey  ignorcfl  the  Icach- 
founder,  John  Wesley, 
.clief  in  special  Trovi- 
aiiparilions,  because  he 
that  belief   in   Divine 
)r(l   hirt  deliberate  con- 
c  is  his  rebuke  to  those 
iches:    'It  is  true,  Uke- 
ural,  and  indeed  most  of 
ven  up  all  accounts  of 
ere  old  wives'  fables.    I 
take  this  opportunity  of 
i.Kainst  this  violent  com- 
belicvc  the  Bible  pay  to 
I  owe  them  no  such 
Lc  arc  at  the  bottom  of 
vised,  and  with  such  m- 
e   nation,  in  direct  oppo- 
it  to  the  suffrage  of  the 
1  a-'cs  and  nations.    They 
3  know  it  or  not)  that  the 
feet  giving  up  the  15ible. 
or  hand, that  if  but  one 
men  with  departed  spirits 
■astle  in   the  air-Dcisra, 
to  the  ground.    I  know 
.   should  suffer  even  this 
our  hands.    Indeed, there 
,esides,  which  abundantly 
ins.    But  we  need  not  be 
eason  nor  religion  require 

rhile  1  live,  I  will  bear  the 
m  to  the  reality  of  witch- 
springs  originally  from  ll.o 
Liaus  lick  up  their  si.iltle ' 


OF  A   PUKACIIEU. 


119 


And  Leckoy,  in  his  '  Rationalism  in  Europe,'  tells  us 
that  in  1773  'the  divines  of  the  Associated  Presbytery 
passed  a  resolution  declaring  their  belief  in  witchcraft 
and  deploring  the  scepticism  that  was  general.'  Witch- 
craft has  been  denounced  far  and  wide  even  by  ordained 
theologians,  and  proclaimed  a  superstition.  What  pre- 
sumption 1  Is  it  not  recognized  in  the  Bible  as  an 
existing  e,vil,  as  an  '  abomination  to  the  Lord '?  And 
becaiise  some  of  his  believing  servants  felt  it  to  be  their 
duty— ao  doubt  a  painful  one— to  obey  the  divine  com- 
mand, '  Tliou  Shalt  not  suffer  a  witch  to  live  I'  they  are 
to  this  day  — yes,  and  from  some  of  our  pulpits  — 
denounced  as  fierce  fanatics  and  persecutors.  Why 
deny  what  God  himself  admits?  Kings  and  prophets  of 
old  believed  in  the  occult  faculty.  Did  not  Saul  con- 
sult the  witch  at  Endor,  and  is  not  the  record  plain  that 
she  had  power  to  raise  the  dead  S.amuel?  And  Samuel, 
we  are  told,  actually  appeared  '  as  an  old  man— covered 
with  a  mantle,'  who  addressed  Saul  audibly, '  Why  hast 
thou  disquieted  me  to  bring  me  up? '  Thus  we  have  it 
in  the  sacred  text,  and  yet  we  liud  presumptuous  doubt- 
ers among  the  learned  clergy  who  try  to  explain  away 
this  noted  transaction,  as  if  ashamed  of  its  unreliable- 
ness.  But  Bishop  Home,  tlie  commentator,  was  one 
who  like  Wesley  was  not  afraid  to  accept  the  Bible 
statement  and  avow  his  belief  in  this  matter.  Let  me 
just  read  you  part  of  his  comment.  The  learned 
Bishop  writes:  'Respecting  the  transaction  at  Endor, 
the  case  in  a  few  words  stands  thus:  Convinced  by 
proper  evidence  of  the  authority  of  the  book  in  which 
it  is  related,  we  of  course  believe  that  the  several  in- 
cidents happened  as  they  are  there  said  to  have  hap- 
pened. By  what  power  or  agency  they  were  brought 
about,  or  how  the  business  was  conducted,  is  another 
question  which  is  confessedly  to  us  at  this  distance  oif 
time  of  an  obscure  or  dilHcult  nature.'    No  doubt  hia 


i.-^^-^**^^  ^^yss 


J2Q  KEMINISCENCES 

bcUct  L,.  Ihc  '"'"f  ™  • 'f /^"'I'^chrlLn  ...bmittcl 
'^V'v":orTn  to  N°»T  «mc„t,vo  have  also  » 
a„a  bchcvcl.      n  l^c  *c  „.iicl,cn.(l,  a...l  «o  aro 

reforcncc  to  the  c\i3itii»-i.  ui  „™.cUcc(l  even 

thciTtore  iu.linc,l  In  nsmming  that  it  K  pBiticeu 

°'o';Xri  So  aclmit  that  the  M.1C  reeord  con^ 

IfhSvT  ."anient Ze,  the  practice  ct  ..agle, 
Se'nroS,«haa«,ot.g,wa.P-J^n-^^^^^^^ 

blnck   arti     ami   luou  ^  ncrscculo  even 

bounacnauly,to  l^""*'  '^;^5"''''  f"     ^f  dcalin- with 
unto  death,  all  who  .hould  be  «'=<'J<^j  "    '^^^5,^.  ;„,,„, 

pleadmg  could  save,   ^  ''^/;      j       nacmnation  fol- 
dent,and  as  a  general  rule  speedy  ^^^^^     ^,„^ 

lowed  and  the  victim  ^'^^'^f7'^„^,„t_old  women  and 

often  the  most  //f  J^^^  J^^X^  with  the  terrible 
children-were  the  first  to  be  cuar  ^^^^ 

offence.    No  old  woman  was  ^^\^J  ^  ^^a^rought 

badcanseda  storm  or  ^^^f  f /^^^^  m' cat^^^ 
.ICncss  to;ome  membo^  of  a    amily,  oi^  ^^  ^^^^  ^^^ 

to  withhold  l»".";f -i^'^'^i  ter-or  prevailed,  for  no 
law  was  unmerciful.    General  te^      P  ^^^^^_ 

one  could  tell  -^- -«  ^^^^^f ^^  ™  ed  by  the  delu- 

^rZ:^tl^:^  P-  and  cmiueut 


>ICK6 


OF   A  PRKACHEIi. 


121 


[Tort  to  rebel  against  o 
icUug  it  prominonlly  ia 
rue  Christian  submitted 
stament  we  have  also  a 
witchcraft,  and  wo  arc 
hat  it  is  pi-acticcd  even 

,t  the  Bible  record  con- 
tration  by  the  sorceress 
il  be  accepted  by  every 
3  the  practice  of  .nagic, 
3  prevalent  in  almost  all 
ays,   tliongh    there   has 
•oof  that  witchcraft  has 
irpose,  yet   what  horrid 
ic  continued  belief  in  the 
lunilios   combined,  as  a 
^'cr,  and  persecute  even 

accused  of  dealing  with 
ary  of  others.  Ty  means 
ra,"  thousands  of  poor 
many,  France,  England, 
it  inhumanly  treated.  No 
accused  was  simply  suffi- 

speedy  condemnation  fol- 
iven  to  the  flames.  Too 
innocent— old  women  and 
i  charged  with  the  terrible 

able  to  disprove  that  she 
est,  that  she  had  brought 

a  family,  or  caused  a  cow 
an  accusation  was  laid,  the 
d  terror  prevailed,  for  no 
cxt  that  might  be  accused, 
been  affected  by  the  delu- 
J,e,  the  pioua  and  cmiaeut 


judge,  tried  and  condemned  two  women  for  bewitching 
children,  and  the  unfortunate  culprits  suffered  a  cruel 
death  in  consequence. 

During  the  long  Parliament  in  England  it  is  said  that 
three  thousand  persons  ciiarged  with  witchcraft  were 
executed ;  and  as  lute  as  1722  an  old  woman  in  Scotland 
was  charged  with  the  alleged  crime,  and  met  the  fate 
of  others.  Even  as  recently  as  1803,  a  reported  wizard 
was  seized  by  a  number  of  persons  and  drowned  in  a 
pond  at  the  village  of  Iledingham,  in  Essex,  England. 
All  classes,  Kings,  Topes,  and  clergy,  believed  at  one 
time  in  the  certainty  of  witchcraft.  Martin  Luther  was 
inhuman  enough  to  say,  "  I  should  have  no  compassion 
on  these  witches,  I  would  burn  them  all."  James  VL, 
of  Scotland,  made  "numerous  official  investigations 
into  alleged  cases  of  witchcraft,"  and  he  afterwards  pub- 
lished a  book  on  demonology.  Eminent  clergymen,  such 
as  Dr.  Joseph  Glanvil,  chaplain  in  ordinary  to  Charles 
II.,  and  the  Kev.  Richard  Baxter,  author  of  the  "Saints' 
Everlasting  Rest,"  wrote  learned  works  upholding  a 
belief  in  witchcraft.  Sir  George  Mackenzie,  Lord  Ad- 
vocate of  Scotland,  firmly  believed  in  it;  and  Sir  Thomas 
More  declared  that  to  give  up  witchcraft  was  to  throw 
away  the  sacred  Scriptures.  Judged  by  such  a  test,  how 
many  in  those  days  may  be  said  to  have  repudiated  God's 
Word!  Using  such  a  test,  where  should  we  now  find 
true  believers? 

Then  the  New  World,  America,  became  tainted  with 
the  prevalent  belief,  and  in  New  England  the  frenzy 
agtunst  witchcraft  became  exceedingly  intense.  There, 
as  in  other  places,  the  clergy  were  the  prime  movers  in 
this  particular  form  of  persecution.  The  Rev.  Cotton 
Mather,  who  was  considered  a  prodigy  of  piety  and 
learning,  and  the  Rev.  Samuel  Rarris,  of  Salem,  another 
pious  celebrity,  were  most  fierce  and  unrelenting  against 
all  charged  with  witchcraft,  and  their  unmerciful  deal- 


lOSWA'-VW  -.  • 


122 


hemims<;exck8 


mas  with  thoscaccuHeclofthisoffcnccwcvc  really  shock- 

T.  n  eea  the  cruclliu«  against  -""1--"  !« J, 
1  -I  V  .hni  ..Itor  awhile  iiuhlic  feeling  rcvolt.^d  against 
SStS^^i^rU^ierou.  legal  .nuracrs  heca.nc 

.0  u"or  cnaurahlo,  and  finally  th«  'l^-^"---- ^-^^^^J; 
ILoh  fis  has  been  recorded  concerning  the  ferocities 
clu  ed  by  tS^su^crstitions  of  earlier  times  tho.e  which 
XwedVhepeiLutions  of  witchcraft  will  forever  be 
a^noug  the  darkest  spots  marked  by  human  credulity. 

Must  we  still  persecute?    There  are  yet  some  of  hrra 
betJ^TntL  Divine  Word,  who  think  that  J  -  command 
_u  Thou  Bhalt  not  suffer  a  witch  to  live,"  should  stdl 
^e  obeyed  as  the  command  of  God-a  command  as  per- 
enntoiy  as  ever,  and  who,  were  it  not  for  tl^e  more  h.- 
rneTiblic  opi:iion  which  now  ^m^^y  ^^^^^ 
.o  for  h  and  accuse,  and  condemn  and  to>t"^c   »m  "^c 
strov  as  of  old,  and  as  still  followed  m  many  of  the  d.uk 
Ice's  of  the  earth.    Must  wc  still  persecute  for  opin- 
ois?   No    I  trust  the  day  has  forever  passed  when  any 
r^ni  can  be  punished  for  his  honest  convictions.    Must 
?  iaN  e  no  fe  lowship  with  him  who  conscientiously  dd- 
Jersfom  my  view  if  doctrines  at  a  time  when  lleason 
isi  erUn'L  pre-eminence  as  the  grand  arbiter  in  all 
thin"      IntoleLce  however  exists.    The  race  oi  per- 
miuos.  pvtiiict     There  arc  some,  even 

sccutors  arc  not  yet  cxvuici.     xu'^i        .  i  „ofii»  nnin- 
among  the  pious,  who  are  so  bitter  against  h««tile  opi 
Zs  that  thou.'h  they  cannot  now  torture  the  body  of 
r  whi  i  Srodox!they  wUl  use  unscrupulous  means 
to  ruin  his  reputation.    There  is  uo  true  religion  m 

""»I  said  that  I  believed  in  witchcraft,"  continued  my 
friend;  "  1  also  believe  in  apparitions.  Here,  again,  we 
have  in  the  Bible  our  foundation  for  such  a  convic  ion 
Sulatterers  in  theology,  those  who  wish  to  bo  wise  above 
what  is  written,  scientific  ^""'-•"'"f^^P^' 7  P^"^/, '. 
losoDhers  feel  themselves  too  intellectual  to  gi%<-  ere 
deuco Ttho  appearance  of  spirits,    la  a  qualified  way 


EXCES 


or   A   riiEACIIER. 


198 


offence  were  really  shock- 
inst  witchcraft  became  so 
ic  feeliiis  revolttfd  against 
•0U9  legal  murders  became 
ly  the  delusion  was  broken, 
concerning  Hic  ferocities 
earlier  times,  those  which 
vitchcraft  will  forever  be 
jed  by  human  credulity. 
:here  are  yet  some  of  Hrra 
lio  think  that  the  command 
vilch  to  live,"  should  still 
[  God— a  command  as  per- 
c>rc  it  not  for  the  more  hs- 
ow  happily  prevails,  would 
demn,  and  torture,  and  de- 
jUowed  in  many  of  the  dark 
'c  still  persecute  for  opin- 
as  forever  passed  when  any 
honest  convictions.    Must 
in  who  conscientiously  dil- 
ics  at  a  time  when  llcason 
a  as  the  grand  arbiter  in  all 
er  exists.    The  race  of  per- 
ct.    There  arc  some,  even 

0  bitter  against  hostile  opin- 
lot  now  torture  the  body  of 
will  use  unscrupulous  means 
:herc  is  no  true  religion  in 

1  witchcraft,"  continued  my 
apparitions.  Here,  again,  we 
dation  for  such  a  conviction. 
,se  who  wish  to  be  wise  al)0ve 
nincompoops,  and  petty  phi- 

too  intellectual  to  give  ere- 
[  spirits.    In  a  qualilicd  way 


they  may  admit,  when  closely  pressed,  that  departed 
ones  have  occasionally  returned ;  still  they  admit  this 
nsluctantly,  and  will  give  various  explanations  to  try  to 
prove  th.at,  after  all,  those  who  claim  to  have  seen  appa- 
ritions were  in  most  c.i^cs  deceived  by  illusions  caused 
perhaps  by  illness  or  defective  vision.  But,"  asked  he, 
"is  not  the  belief  in  such  appearances  very  general?" 

I  had  of  course  to  admit  that  sucli  was  the  case. 

"  Yes,"  continued  he,  '•  in  ancient  as  well  as  in  mod- 
ern times  the  wisest  have  borne  testimony  that  ghostly 
visitations  are  common,  and  all  history,  sacred  and  pro- 
fane, bears  evidence  that  among  the  rudest  as  well  as 
among  the  most  enlightened ;  among  Pagans  as  well  as 
among  Christians,  few  ventured  to  doubt  that  the  dead 
had  power  to  return  and  did  return,  revisiting  again  the 
glimpses  of  tlie  moon." 

"  I  know,"  said  I,  "  that  our  founder,  John  Wesley, 
had  scared}'  a  doubt  on  the  subject." 

"  Scarcely  a  doubt  1"  interrupted  he,  "  read  his  jour- 
nals again,  and  you  will  be  convinced  that  instead  of 
doubt,  it  was  to  him  a  certainty.  But  let  us  go  to  an 
authority  that  cannot  be  gainsaid.  Do  we  not  read  in 
the  Bible  that  at  the  time  of  the  crucitixion  '  the  graves 
were  opened  and  many  bodies  of  the  saints  which  slept 
arose, and  came  out  of  the  graves  after  his  crucifixion 
and  appeared  unto  many.'  Ought  not  this  to  be  proof 
sufllcient?  " 

I  hesitated  before  I  made  a  reply,  because  it  is  well 

known  that  prodigies  similar  to  this  were  said  to  have 

taken  place  upon  the  death  of  great  men  long  previous 

to  the  time  of  Christ.    Virgil  records  the  tradition,  that 

a  short  time  before  the  death  of  Ccesar,  the  dead  arose 

and  were  seen;  and  Shakespeare  embodies  the  same 

idea  in  the  play  of  Hamlet  when  he  tells  us  that — 

"  In  the  most  high  and  palmy  state  of  Rome, 
A  little  cro  the  mightiost  Juliu.s  fell, 
The  graves  stood  tenaiitloss,  and  the  sheeted  dead 
Did  squeak  aud  uibbur  in  the  Roman  streets." 

—[Act «..  Scene  I. 


KUMIN18CENCE9 
124 

Ceesa.U.wen.now„,wa..on.one.^^^^ 

,^rc  the  ChvUtian  .n.  -I  ^^J^'lJJ...,..uX.^ 
rior  to  the  advent  of  Chust.    i  ^^^^^^  ^j^^^  ^,i. 

^  to  ^vhat  1  should  say   fo   I  am  o  ^^^^^.^^  ^^,^^^. 

vutely  venture  to  ^-f^^;,::'/ Matthew,  I  have 
and  with  regard  o  ^1^°, Pf;;";;i.,^ion,  like  some  others 
thought  it  might  he  ^"/"^^'J'";';'  engendered  a  spirit 
In  theScrii^ures  an^jt----^?^^^^^^^  that  the  ac- 
o£  incredulity.    At  las  ,1  "  j. 

count,  if  correct  oug     to  be  as       ^^^^^^^^^^^,  „  .^^cd 
u  Who  would  dare  to  qutstion  .^j.^„  ^an  can 

hehastUy.    "YoV'^ttimf  as  truth.    When  the  dis- 
hesitate  to  accept  the  r^-^  ^j        ^^       ^^^  j^^^, 

ciples  about  the  f^^'^^T^'^'boy  not  fear  that  it  was  a 
walking  upon  ^^^^^J'^J^^^Znhc  stood  in  the  midst  of 
spirit,  and  cry  o^^\ /^^''^^'l^,^  ,hat  they  were  tern- 
tLn  after  his  crucifix  on    v^^^^^^^^  l,ad  seen  a 

ficd  and  affrighted,  and  suppost  ^^^^^^  ^^^^^.^ 

Bpirit.    Many  other  P^^j"  ,i,Hs  was  common,  and 
the  f-t  that  t^  appearance^of  ^1^^^^  ^^^^^^^.  .^  .^  ,,,, 

it  is  evident  that  sucu  a 

BO  to-day."  ^^^t  ^o3t  persons  still  belicvo 

u  I  admit,"   said  I,       hat  "a     ^^^^^  ^^^  ^^  ^^  ^^ 

in  supernatural  '^PP,'^;^^^';^;  have  not  been  or  cannot 

sumptuous  as  to  say  1  «f  ^^^^^^^^^        them  is  greatly  on 
be  such,  but  incredulity  respecti  ^^^^ 

the  increase,    ^any  wd    ^^  >  o" J  ^^  ^^^ 

told  of  so  and  ««/f  ;^\"f „tveV > et  mcta  man  who  could 
or  unearthly, buti  have  ^"-JlH^    i       personal  know- 

ledge  of  any  tlun^o 

asked  I,  "  bavc  you?  ,,  ^^^  ^j^er  a  pause, 

u  I  cannot  say  that  1  have     ^'^       J^  ^,e  hundreds  like 

u  Well,  now,"  I  ««"^f  "^tu8 Uiav«  no  misgivings  as 
you  who  will  tell  us  iha^^---^^^^^ 
io  the  visitations  of  spirits,  ov 


CE9 

jrn  one  huntlwl  yoaw 
died  nuiny  years  iuilc- 
fas  therefore  umlcculeil 
1  one  of  those  that  r"- 
lUiUty  of  certain  texts; 
c  iu  Matthew,  I  have 
lation,  like  some  others 
ray  engendered  a  spirit 
ely  replied  that  the  ac- 
suflicicnt  proof, 
a  its  correctness?  "cried 

Ko  Christian  man  can 
V9  truth.  When  the  dis- 
1  of  the  niglit  saw  Jesua 
.ynotfeartliat  it  wasa 
a  he  stood  in  tlic  midst  of 

read  that  they  were  tem- 
ped that  they  had  seen  a 
iu  the  Divine  word  recorc 
,f  spirits  was  common,  and 
ief  was  general;  it  i8  even 

„,03t  persons  still  believe 

J     I  would  not  be  so  pre- 
rc  have  not  been  or  cannot 

ce  ins  Ihcm  is  greatly  on 

you  that  they  have  been 

dor  seen  something  ghostly 

eVjetmeta  man  who  could 

Ltisfactory  P-^^-^" 
,d  himself.    Now,  Brother, 

e"  he  replied  after  a  pause. 
';    u  there  arc  hundreds  like 
;^ust  have  no  misgivings  as 
oven  at  the  present  day,  wuo 


OF   A   I>R£ACU£B. 


125 


have  never  yet  had  occular  demonstration  of  nnythln<» 
of  the  kind." 

"Stay!  stay!"  said  he,  emphasizing  as  itwere,wi(h 
his  hand  raised,  "  have  you  ever  seen  the  ryraniida?" 
'  Xo." 

"  Then  sec  the  weakness  of  your  reasoning,"  contin- 
ued he  with  an  air  of  triumph,  "  would  you  deny  that 
they  exist  because  you  have  never  seen  them?" 

"Ahl  but  that  is  not  a  fair  mode  of  deduction,"  I 
replied,  "  for  you  know  that  it  is  possible  to  get  a  thou- 
sand persons  quite  reliable  who  will  tell  us  that  they 
Lave  seen  the  J'ryamids,  and  we  feel  certain  that  withia 
a  given  time  we  could  go  and  sec  them  ourselves,  but  it 
would  bo  very  difllcult,  if  not  impossible,  for  you  to  find  - 
a  man  who  will  say  that  while  in  sound  licalth  of  body 
and  mind  he  had  seen  a  spirit,  nor  dare  you  venture  to 
say  tliat  were  I  to  take  a  whole  year  in  the  search  I 
could  meet  with  an  apparition,  or  discover  the  shadowy 
outlines  of  a  ghost." 

After  thinking  for  a  minute  or  two,  he  asked,  "  Now 
as  you  seem  to  be  very  iiieredulous,  would  you  take  the 
trouble  to  satisfy  yourself  on  this  point?  Would  you,  for 
instance,  go  to  where  it  might  be  possible  for  you  to 
witness  a  supernatural  appearance?" 

"  Would  I?  certainly,"  said  1,  replying  to  his  question 
at  once.  "  I  should  consider  it  a  duty  to  go  any  reason- 
able distance  to  obtain  positive  proof  that  the  dead  have 
power  to  return." 

"  Then  if  your  resolution  docs  not  fail  you,"  he  con- 
tinut'il,  "  I  think  it  quite  probable  that  you  will  have 
sulliciont  evidence  to  satisfy  you  in  this  matter.  You 
iiavo  heard,  1  suppose,  of  the  old  meeting-house?  " 

"  Of  course  I  have,"  1  answered.  "  It  is  scarcely 
twoivc  miles  from  here." 

"The  same,"  he  replied.  "Have  you  over  heard 
anything  coaceming  it?  " 


.4«Si*^ii^tj-W^9aft*Ti€«iJ»=  '-,  >"',-«Ss  J  , 


li 


,11 


126 


BEMINISCENCES 


,,h„.«.„ro,..l*..u,.  .».««..■,,.,  "Only  a  v.,u. 

'"""■'!•    ""ri^i'XX-      ,";*"..    H,.n,o  heart. 

U'-  -■etches  l..J>kc  »!^>;;;  ^Cm/lt^n  an.ouut 
mirposic  of  i.lumlor.    ^1'^/ """      i..,,i    been  Mt  there. 
If  money,  with  some  ^f  "'^^;^'^;' •  "  ,,       you  have  no 
The  ianvateH  resisted  an.l  lost  their  Uvcs. 
doubt  heard  of  the  sad  story? 

I  told  hun  I  had.  u  the  place  had  a 

.Kvenlo...bj.orcUu.       s^^l.,^ 

bad«ame,and  »''>"";'      ,,^^^  «,ua.    To  be  plar-s  I 

Und  thai  too  much  1"'% ""'   'V^^„„..,„  lu^t  peopl'  li'^vo 

Uavc  heard  from  an  "-^-;^^^«",;  dreadful  sounds  ..nd 

r,een  so  terril  ed  the      '        "J^^';      „„,  ,,„  „c  got  to 

sights,  that  it  is  ^  '»^  '^'"^  ;  '^,^  ,  understand  it  has 
lake  charge  of  the  I'ousc ,  for  Vtar  ^^  ^^^^  ^^^.^^^ 

shall  be  greatly  f  ;'W~;  ^^^^r  seen  an  apparition. 
u  As  you  ..-vy  that     "^    luaU  see  one  there,  would  it 
,,  you  are  so  certain  hat      U  U  -^  ^^  ^^  ^,^,  ,^,,,,  , 
not,"  I  asked,     bo  wUi  lo  ^^  ^^_^^  .^  ^^^^. 

night  there  togethci?  ^l^""^^^  ,,etre  or  gobUn 

times  sutncienl  to  ^'""J";^  "  ^w,  if  we  should  go 
and  lead  one  to  be  f^^^'^'^^^^-^rrride  by  side  during 
tucreandsit  and  -ad,  or -nv^^    s    c^  Y^^  ^^^^^^^, 

t,„  solemn  ^;--;^;-^  "„  J  ui^mselves  visible  I  am 
ones  are  most  likely  ^o    «"  ^j      ^  ^e  troubled; 

someway  of  the  «!'""«"  ^^^^'J^  ghostly  character  wo 
anyway,  if  we  saw  ^«y^^""S  f  J^/,,  to  its  reality." 


;EKCEe 

vnawct.ul,  "  Only  a  vnguo 

,r  in  the  matter,"  he  con- 
ic niivn  ami  hin  wife  who 
e  imiracrea.  Some  heart- 
,  house  ul  n\-ht  for  the 
,ul  heard  that  an  amount 
,1^,^,  hiul  been  left  there, 
t  their  Uve».    You  have  no 


said  ho,  "the  place  had  a 
,  in.iuiries,  I  think  you  a^U 

been  said.    To  he  plai--,  I 
ted  source  that  peopl'  hrvc 
i-'ht  by  dreadful  sounds  .ind 
iTulty  any  one  can  be  got  to 
for  years  I  understand  it  has 
mt.    Now  if  you  can  pluck 
d  one  ni-ht  under  the  roof, 
fore  day-dawn  that  there  arc 

.  seen  within  its  old  walls,  I 

>d.'' 

.,ve  never  seen  an  apparition, 

shall  see  one  there,  would  It 
,r  us  both  to  go  and  spend  a 
'on  know  that  fear  is  some- 
re  up  some  spectre  or  goblm 
eived.  Now,  it  we  should  go 
T  converse  side  by  side  during 

it  13  said  that  the  departed 
nakc  themselves  visible,  I  am 

that  we  shall  not  be  troubled-, 
iu<.  of  a  ghostly  character  wo 

convinced  as  to  its  reality. 
ray  going  there,"  replied  he, 


OF  A   I'KKACIIKB. 


m 


hastily,  "  I  holicvo  already,  and  I  want  nothing  further 
to  Htroiij,'then  my  convictions." 

As  I  found  tliat  my  friend,  like  many  otlicrs,  Imd 
established  a  belief  upon  the  merest  Iiearsay  or  tradi- 
lion,  anil  not  upon  any  legitimalo  cvidi'iice,  and  that 
like  ft  lliousand  others  he  was  content  with  piirlial  in- 
formation on  so  important  a  subject,  I  felt  liiat  from 
his  positive,  self-satisllcd  manner,  it  would  be  iischiss 
to  press  hira  to  make  any  closer  inquiries,  or  to  try  and 
discover  a  deception. 

"  Well,"  said  I,  "  wliethcr  you  come  or  not,  1  shall 
take  the  earliest  opportunity  of  going  to  thi?.  deserted 
mansion,  and  if  I  sliould  receive  a  visit  from  any  one 
from  that  bourne  from  which  it  is  said  no  traveller 
returns,  you  may  rely  on  it  that  the  information  wlilch 
I  shall  give  shall  not  be  fed  by  fancy  or  colored  by 
exaggeration." 


CILVITER  XVI. 


THK  HAUNTED  HOUSE. 


It  was  more  than  a  month  after  this  before  I  found  it 
convenient  to  make  the  promised  excursion.  I  had 
fully  miule  up  my  mind  to  go  to  the  old  meeting-house, 
and  I  was  determined  when  tlierc  to  see  all  that  was 
possible  to  discover  of  the  spirits  either  good  or  evil 
that  were  said  to  disturb  the  old  building.  One  might 
be  misled  by  the  name  given  to  the  place.  The  old 
meeting-house  was  not  one  of  our  places  of  worship- 
then  called,  by  the  State  clergy  and  their  followers, 
"  conventicles,"  like  other  dissenting  chapels.  It  had 
formerly  been  used  for  some  purpose  by  the  Society  of 
Friends,  or  Quakers,  and  had  derived  its  present  name 


i 


XltMlNISCKNCM 

T«n„  nrcvlous  lo  this  it  had 
from  that  clrcumBtancc.    1^"«  P     ,^,  ,,  kuul  of  couuly 

fhc  Socicly  of  Fricn.l.  «ot  I «  -«  ;  „„ii  ^Uo  house 
good  ici.air  una  k.pl  H  ^J  ;;';,[,  \„a  U.o  pcr«on»  la 
was  bvokcu  into  unci  I  ^"^-'^,^1  ,ricr  this  the  rumor 
cluvr«o  of  the  V^-^^^'^;  Z  mcotlu«-hou«e  was 
wtis  luoro    gcucrul   that  tuo  o 

huuuted.  „„n»riu8  it  l9  rnthcr  com- 

I„En,lan.l,ao  in  other  cou^^^^^^^^^^  ^.,,„. 

.„ou  to  hear  of  c'^'^^  ."P^tcut^n,  oUl  ca«Ues,  old  ruins 
yardsa>"«»»«'l^'^'''r     and  there,  are  said  to  he  the 
Ld  ^Id  .mansions  1--  an  M-e    ^^^^.^  ^^^.,,„.,     ,e 

resorts  of  troubled  «l>l"  «  ^^^  ^  ^^^^  „r  clai.u  reslitn  lo", 

to  reveal  so.ne  dread  «^'-^^  '^^     "^,,  a  nmy  be,  to  tlnd  a 
toeouveysomesolemn.     mn  ,0,^   ^^^^^^ 

long-sousht   reven-e,    '"  ^j,.  ou  winter  nights, 

theto  .pectres  arc  told  a    ilu.  ir  j;  ^^^  ,1,^  ,1    „«t 

leaving  ^^\"Wven    a-l  c.cn  - ^  ^^  ^^.^^^  ,„  ,,,  ,,  tho 
afraid  of  their  shadows,  or 

dark.  ,      „  „,,,„-  juotivc,  I  had  a  good  excuse 

independent  of  any  "^^'J.'^  ™"",, J„g.houHe.    A  friend 
to  make  an  excursion  to  ^'^^^'\^^^^ry  In  a  healthy 
of  mine  wished  to  open  a  htUe        ^^.^^.^^^.  ^  .^ 
locality.    He  did  "Ot  want^^'^^  ^^^  ^^^^.^  ^^  ^he  old 
were  limited;  and,  from  what  .^^,^  ue  was  of 

domicile,  apart  from  '^^ ^^^^°l^  i,u  purpose,  the  rent 
the  opinion  that  it  would  ^J  V     .^^1^^^.^^  ^^ 
being  merely  nominal.    J^was  ghosts,  and  was 

^qultc  ready  ^J^X^Jl,.''  his  leaving  homo  at  the 
sickness  in  his  tamuy  v 


KNCEfl 

,  previous  10  thl»ithad 
LicUiwakuulof  county 
for  other  run,o«c9    When 

o^sesHlon,  Ihcy  V^\^\^^^ 
,,v„y  yearn  until  the  hoUHO. 

;  .1,  .uul  tho  pcr«oa«  In 
.  and  KflorlhiHlho  rumor 
;  old   mcctiug-houbo    wua 

,ouniric«,it  IB  rather  com- 

Ihal  arc  haunted,    (.nve- 
u  on,  old  eaHtles,  old  ruins 

I  lUcrc,  are  Huid  to  he  the 
o  leave  their  i)ri«on-i>ou«o 
:.«.koorcluUure«a.u^», 

uhvsor,iLmaybe,tolinda 

r  mihle  talc,  concernu^ 
,,nro«ide  on  .-intern^, 
„  aouie  old  I'cople,  almost 
afraid  o£  going  to  bed  m  tho 

rmotive,IhadagoodeKeuso 
Uc  meeting-houHe.  A  tutnd 
a  little  Beminaryln  ft  healthy 
a  argo. '"Wing-,  his  means 
;il  ho  had  heard  of  the  old 

;i:Uassoeiationshew^^^^^^^^ 

answer  his  purpose,  the  rent 

t  was  his  intention  to  accora- 

ItUefftUh  in  ghosts,  and  wn. 

.face  to  face,  if  need  bo,  but 
Jve^d  his  leaving  home  at  the 

lun  is  situated  in  a  pleasant 


OF  A  PftKACllEn. 


»• 


called  a  river,  winrln  gcn'  ]y  through  nei'^'hhnrinj^  moa- 
down,  merely  toui  liiiig  ilio  Houlherri  oiit.ikirtM  of  tho 
town,  and  then  moving  in  Uh  lanyiiid  course  towardu 
llio  8ea,  a  few  miles  distant.  lA'aviu};  tlie  town  ycm 
(TOSH  the  stream  over  an  old  stone  bri(l;,'e,  whcne  one 
wide  moHH-covered  arcli  casts,  particularly  during  a 
brij,'lit  sunHet,a  very  miirkeil  ami  well-dedned  tilmdow 
of  itnelf  in  tho  clear  water,  nluioHt  every  ntoiic  being 
(listtinetly  seen,  and  at  Hueli  a  time  the  lon;,'er  shadows 
of  till',  tall  trceH  Htandin;,'  liere  and  there  along  the 
banks  can  be  seen  Htretclied  along  the  burnished  snr- 
faee  of  tlie  stream,  forming  a  most  agreeable  conlrnHt 
of  light  and  Hhiule. 

In  conseciuence  of  the  unexpected  delay  I  had  met 
with,  it  was  late  In  December  wlien  I  got  to  the  inn 
when  I  projiosed  to  rent  and  make  iuiiuirios  in  relation 
to  the  meeting-houHC,  and  I  was,  on  the  wliole,  rather 
pleased  when  I  found  it  was  Christmas  Kve;  for  it  is  said 
that  ghosts  are  more  at  liberty  to  appear  about  that  time 
than  at  any  other;  and,  if  it  were  possible  for  one  to  bo 
seen,  I  really  wished  to  make  its  acquaintance,  Tho 
mxt  day  would  bo  the  2r)th.  I  should  therefore  have 
pK  uty  of  lime  to  see  tho  place  at  my  leisure,  to  hear  all 
that  could  bo  told  concerning  its  dark  liistory,  to  stop 
all  night  if  opportunity  offered,  and  return  homo  to 
partake  of  my  Christmas  dinner. 

"It's  a  ruracorner,  that!"  said  the  landlord  of  tho 
little  inn  of  whom  I  made  an  inquiry.  Taking  his  long 
cby  pipe  from  his  mouth,  and  pointing  with  it  signiti- 
cantly,  he  remarked  in  a  low  tone  of  voice,  "  I  wouldna 
tak  a  hoondred  poond  an'  stop  yan  night  by  mysen  iu 
yonder  oopcr  chaamber." 

The  house  indicated  by  tho  landlord  was  nearly  a 
mile  distant  from  the  other  side  of  the  bridge.  It  stood 
on  high  ground,  and  the  sunlight  flashed  from  its  upper 
windows,  leaving  it  to  look  anything  but  gloomy,  and 


■ 


I 


130 


l{KMINls*CKNCJid 


.,o.lc.  MiUins  lo  f .»'''"','''';";  ,„,  „,  i„l,l  al,out 
havou.lrong  belief  „.  all  '»','■''„";"  i°,,.,,„u,c.    I 

had  known  all  ■>l»°'"-      .'^".'l'    'T''.    ,„„  ha.  gono 
and  parson,,  an-  othc,-,  oo   lo.ko  "J^^    '-^J  ,,J .,,, 

i?r:nrri;r ;;::;-« t"  «oo™, » «., .». 

'*i»Wife.erycaoin  tho  nclghhorhood  boUcved  a. 
.  Why,  yo  moight  a  Ijoord  on^  n U  oova  I  Ku    ^^  ^__^ 

!"°^ci'sr:jr.r;;rrirrg.>.on,, 


-uWt  .*t:       «■■ 


l,c  frequented  by  restless  or 
the  liuiaiora  very  comraumca- 
a-nalured  looking  man, rather 
u\  one  who,  I  thou-ht,  won Ul 
)r  easily  imposed  on  by  idlo 
,  or  fairies;  still  he  seemed  to 
x\\  that  was  said  or  told  about 
-cs   in  the  meeting-house.    I 
,lucc  was  said  to  be  haunted, 
years!"  he  replied.    His  father 
,  and  his  great-grandfatherl- 
l' And,"  said  he,  "  the  bishops 

,ot  loikc  about  here,  has  gone 
dang  it,  all  the  good  they  did 
roorsc  an'  woorse,  so  they  gav 

I  the  neighborhood  believed  as 

jaid  he,  rather  contemptuously, 
.rd  on't  all  oover  t'kingdoom. 
re  frac  all  parts  to  see  t'  and 
jr  two  or  three  of  a  week." 
e  plain  during  my  conversation 
it  was,  that  he  made  a  very  good 
r  concerning  the  haunted  budd- 
une  to  see  the  old  meeting-houso 
at  times  made  his  business  very 
ruck  me  that  he  was  just  such  a 
circumstances,  would  rather  en- 
,  if  such  it  were,  than  do  other- 

icr  surprised  at  what  he  told  me, 
that  the  old  house  was  owned  by 
t,mlon,who  could  get  no  person 
,r  rent  it.  The  house  was  partly 
,wia  charge  of  a  man  who  lived 


OF  A  I'llEACnER. 


131 


close  by,  and  who  cultivated  the  four  acres  belonging 
to  the  property,  being  also  allowed  the  proceeds  of  "the 
garden  and  the  orchard,  which  were  included.  Of  late 
years  no  one  could  be  got  to  stop  a  night  in  the  honso 
for  any  consideration.  One  after  another  used  to  come 
occasionally  lo  see  about  renting  (he  place,  but  for  a 
longtime  past  there  had  been  no  applicant,  and  the 
landlord  said  he  thought  there  would  scarcely  bo  an- 
other. 

"Do  you  think  that  I  could  see  the  premises?"! 
asked,  In  a  careless  manner.  "  I  should  like  to  get  into 
the  house,  though  I  would  not  care  to  go  into  it  just 
alone,  you  know." 

The  landlord  looked  sharply  at  me  for  a  moment,  as 
if  in  doubt  of  my  seeming  timidity,  or  perhaps  of  my 
sanity,  and  replied— 

"Oh!  yes,  they  lets -em  in  and  will  show  folks  all 
through  for  maybe  sixpence  or  a  shilling  each,  but  it 
maun  be  afore  soonset.  Xeither  Harry  Gaines  nor  his 
wife  would  tak'  fifty  poond  an'  go  in  there  after  dark." 

"  "Well,  I'd  like  lo  see  the  place,  and  as  I  am  rather 
curious  in  my  way,  if  I  wished  to  stay  there  after  dark, 
or  even  all  night,  I  suppose  there  is  nothing  to  pre- 
vent it?" 

"  Nothing,  I  s'pose,"  said  he,  after  having  given  me  an- 
other scrutinizing  look.  "  Nothingl  but,  dang  it,  friend, 
you  wouldn't  think  o'  stopping  in  such  a  hell-iiole  as  that 
for  a  single  hour  alone  against  twoilight,  mooch  less  for 
a  whole  night?  No,  not  for  the  King's  crown  would  I 
stay!  Ye  moost  a  heeard  o' a  man  wiio  once  tried  that, 
an'  who  was  taken  next  day  crazy  to  t'sylum?  Na,  nal 
iv  ye  gan  there  for  a  bit,  coom  back  here  iu  toimo  an' 
hae  a  good  night's  rest,  which  no  mortal  being  can  hao 
yonder!" 

I  told  him  I  would  go  over  there  any  way;  it  would 
bo  a  pleasant  walk,  and  that  after  looking  around,  if  I 


189 


RKMISISCKNCES 


llUlil 
lilJt 


thou'^ht  there  was  likely  to  be  any  disturbance,  I  slionld 
return  at  a  proper  hour.    I  did  not  intend,  I  «uid,  to  be 

off  oUow  dbyalarge  Newfoundland  dog.  From  the 
wtSow  I  saw  him  seamper  aeross  the  bridge,  and  make 
Tway  app^ently  in  the  direction  of  the  meeting-houso. 
The  Sdord  seemed  desirous  of  engaging  ™c  ^"  ««^- 
The  la"^''«^"  further.information  about  the 

Biiodo  me  from  remaming  there  very  lou  ,  a  .,  „  ^„j 
whTsue"ed  "  IV  ye  chance  to  see  a  man  aboot  wi'  a  red 
m^a  dip  loL  that  were  once  drooned  in  a  deep  hole 
cai)— a  cnap  ioik-^  fi<,i,,„)_<iou't  ve  stay  there  mooch 
in  t'Btream  whoile  a  flshm  -uou  i  yc  j 
longer  or  there  moight  be  trooble  loike. 

Leavinc.  instructions  to  have  my  horse  well  cared  for 
I  s^artccUo  walk  the  mile  which  was  to  bnng  mc  to  the 
tainted  re.7on.    Av,  was  a  calm,  pleasant  evening.  The 

TZsm"  mood,  I  had  to  stop  more  than  once  o  gaze 
withered  leaves  on  which  I  trod  were  not  disturbed  by 


OF   A   PREAcnEK. 


188 


:ncks 

my  (lisiurbancc,  I  should 
not  intend,  I  suid,  to  be 

lie  of  the  afternoon.    I 
he  time,  and  then,  while 
.  landlord  left  the  room, 
C3, 1  saw  him  whisper  to 
[Ic  was  a  smart,  cunning- 
}  than  a  minute  he  started 
)undland  dog.    From  the 
ross  the  bridge,  and  make 
tion  of  the  meeting-house. 
,  of  engaging  me  in  con- 
icr- information  about  the 

the  murders  said  to  have 
^avo  me  a  description  of 
'ortcd  to  have  been  seen 
:e  evidently  wished  to  dis- 
ere  very  long,  and  then  ho 
.  see  a  man  aboot  wi'  a  red 
•nee  drooned  in  a  deep  hole 
-don't  ye  stay  there  mooch 
Doblc  loikc." 

ivc  my  horse  well  cared  for, 
lich  was  to  bring  mc  to  the 
ilm,  pleasant  evening.  The 
en,  and  a  few  icicles  could 
adcd  places.  Having  crossed 
Long  the  bank  of  the  stream. 

roundabout  course,  but  bc- 
}  reach  the  house,  1  found 
and  while  going  on  in  a  kind 
Lop  more  than  once  to  gaze 
>nd  in  the  stream  had  made 
id  could  be  heard.  The  dried 
[  trod  were  not  disturbed  by 


any  passing  breeze,  and  the  bushes  and  ferns  along  the 
banks  were  as  motionless  as  the  light  clouds  overhead. 
Suddenly  I  heard  a  dog  1)ark  at  a  distance.  I  looked 
around  and  in  a  few  moments  I  heard  barking  again, 
and  turning  my  eyes  down  the  stream,  I  observed  a  boy. 
I  thought  it  must  be  the  one  who  had  left  the  inn, 
crouching  behind  a  large  tree  which  stood  perhaps  two 
hundred  yards  distant,  as  if  hiding  from  some  one.  All 
was  quiet  once  more.  I  soon  forgot  the  interruption, 
and  I  went  leisurely  on  until  I  came  to  a  point  where 
the  path  turned  up  towards  the  old  house.  There  I 
stopped  again.  The  stream  from  this  point  moved  off 
in  another  direction,  and  while  watching  the  crimson 
light  which  was  now  reflected  in  the  placid  water,  an- 
other object  caught  my  attention.  A  large  ancient 
looking  tree,  much  larger  than  any  other  I  could  notice, 
stood  close  to  the  ediru  of  the  stream  a  considerable  dis- 
tance from  me.  Its  knotted  Hmbs  and  extended  branches 
were  spread  far  out,  casting  a  wide  circular  shade  which 
touched  the  opposite  bank.  At  the  base  of  this  big  tree 
the  ground  was  higher  than  any  other  spot  I  had  yet 
observed  along  the  margin.  It  looked  like  a  mound, 
and  standing  on  this,  but  apparently  as  immovable  as  a 
statue,  was  a  man  in  a  dark  gray  dress,  and  wearing  a 
red  cap.  He  lield  what  appeared  like  a  fisliing-rod  over 
tlie  stream,  and  his  head  was  bent  as  u  patiently  await- 
ing a  fisherman's  luck;  but  though  I  stood  watching 
him  for  some  minutes,  lie  remained  motionlci's,  and 
never  once  tlirew  his  line.  I  was  rather  surprised  at 
this,  for  being  something  of  a  fisherman  myself,  I  knew 
ho  could  scarcely  catch  a  trout  unless  he  swung  his  rod; 
and  then  it  occurred  to  mc  that  ho  must  bo  a  novice  in 
the  art,  for  it  was  not  a  good  time  of  the  year  for  fly- 
fishing of  any  kind.  Just  tlien  another  bark,  and  then 
another  was  hoard.  The  sound  came  from  the  direction 
in  which  the  haunted  building  was  situated.    I  looked 


IIA 


BEMINISCKNCKB 


up  towards  the  place,  and  after,  as  I  thought,  but  a  mo- 
ment or  two,  when  I  turned  around  again,  to  my  great 
astonishiuint  the  lishernuin  hud  disappeared! 

I  waited  there  for  some  time  expecting  his  return.  I 
wondered  how  he  could  have  made  off  so  quickly.  He 
must,  thought  I,  be  seated  behind  that  mound,  or  per- 
haps he  has  rushed  into  that  thicket— there  was  one 
close  by.  He  must  have  had  plenty  of  lime  to  do  this, 
for  1  had  probably  kept  my  eyes  in  the  other  direction 
longer  than  I  fancied.  However,  though  greatly  sur- 
prised at  first  at  the  disappearance  of  the  angler,  I 
thought  less  and  less  of  the  matter,  and  as  I  walked  up 
the  rising  ground  towards  the  house,  other  ideas  occu- 
pied my  mind,  and  I  almost  forgot  the  circumstance. 

In  less  than  a  quarter  of  an  hour  I  stood  in  front  of 
the  condenmcd  habitation.    It  was  much  larger  than  I 
expected  to  Qnd  it,  and  it  was,  notwithstanding  its  re- 
puted age,  a  passable  looking  stone  building  of  two  sto- 
ries.   It  had  four  dormer  windows  in  tlie  roof,  four 
other  windows  below  these,  and  one  larger  window  on 
each  side  of  the  spacious  door.  Three  or  four  wide  stone 
steps,  with  rusted  iron  side-railings,  led  up  to  the  en- 
trance.   The  roof  was  hipped,  and  two  tall  chimneys 
partly  covered  with  ivy  rose  from  the  angles.  A  number 
of  small  birds  had  evidently  found  refuge  here.  The  ivy 
had  also  spread  over  the  slate  roof,  and  covered  one  end 
of  the  house,  almost  hiding  the  windows  in  that  part. 
Several  of  the  window-panes    were    broken,  and  the 
others  were  so  covered  with  dust  and  cobwebs  that  it 
was  with  difficulty  one  could  distinguish  anything  in  the 
interior  from  the  outside.    A  large  oak  tree  stood  at  one 
end  of  the  building,  near  enough  to  have  some  of  its 
large  limbs  touch  the  wall.   The  fence  or  paling  in  front 
was  in  rather  a  dilapidated  condition;  but  the  piece  of 
land  belonging  to  the  property— including  the  garden 
and  the  orchard— was  enclosed  or  bounded  by  a  low 


UNCUS 


OF  A  PllKACnEn. 


lac 


r,  as  I  thought,  but  a  mo- 
rouiul  ngaiu,  to  my  great 
id  disuppciirecl! 
5  expecting  his  return.    I 
made  off  so  quickly.    He 
•hind  that  mound,  or  pcr- 
t  thicket— there  was  one 
plenty  of  lime  to  do  this, 
yes  in  the  other  direction 
Ycvcr,  though  greatly  3ur- 
)earancc  of  the  angler,  I 
atter,  and  as  I  walked  up 
;  house,  other  ideas  occu- 
jrgot  the  circumstance, 
m  hour  I  stood  in  front  of 
:t  was  much  larger  than  I 
as,  notwithstanding  its  re- 
stone  building  of  two  sto- 
>'indows  in  tlic  roof,  four 
and  one  larger  window  on 
'.  Three  or  four  wide  stone 
ailings,  led  up  to  the  en- 
h1,  and  two  tall  chimneys 
irom  the  angles.  A  number 
found  refuge  here.  The  ivy 
roof,  and  covered  one  end 
the  windows  in  that  part. 
!8    were    broken,  and  the 
I  dust  and  cobwebs  that  it 
distinguish  anything  in  the 
L  large  oak  tree  stood  at  one 
enough  to  have  some  of  its 
rhc  fence  or  paling  in  front 
condition;  but  the  piece  of 
jrty— including  the  garden 
)sed  or  bounded  by  a  low 


Btone  wall  still  in  sufflcient  repair  to  keep  out  Bwlnc  or 
wandering  cattle.  Taking  it  all  in  all  tliere  was  nothing, 
at  least  in  the  outside  look  of  the  place,  or  of  its  sur- 
roundings, so  far  as  I  could  see,  to  lead  any  one  to  im- 
agine that  it  was  a  suitaljlo,  sombre,  or  gloomy  spot  for 
any  kind  of  wpiritual  or  supernatural  roveliy, 

"A  fine  evening.  Sir,"  said  a  man  addressing  me. 
There  was  a  thatched  cottage  at  a  short  distance,  and 
he  had  approached  me  from  that  place.  Previous  to 
this,  while  I  was  viewing  the  old  house,  I  noticed  him 
watching  mc  as  I  thought  rather  sharply.  I  also  ^aw  a 
woman,  I  supposed  his  wife,  standing  inside  the  door, 
and,  if  I  was  not  mistaken,  the  same  boy  that  ran  on 
before  mc  from  the  inn,  was  a  little  way  behind  her; 
but  I  saw  nothing  of  the  large  black  dog  which  had  fol- 
lowed him. 

"  It  is  a  fine  evening,"  I  replied.  "  Having  heard 
much  about  this  old  meeting-house,  as  it  is  called,  I 
thought  I  would  come  here  and  have  a  look  at  ii." 

"  Glad  to  sec  you.  Sir,"  said  Mr.  Harry  Gaines— this 
was  his  name — "  many  others  have  come  here  on  the 
same  errand." 

"  You  are  in  charge  of  the  place,  I  understand?  " 

"  Yes,"  he  replied,  with  a  kind  of  yawn,  "  I  have 
charge  of  it  in  the  day-time,  but  'tis  hard  to  say  who 
keeps  charge  at  nig'it.  I'm  the  only  one  who  has  re- 
mained here  longer  than  a  year  or  two,  and  if  I  don't 
change  my  mind,  I  shan't  be  here  another.  I  might 
perhaps  try  and  stay,  but  my  wife  tells  me  that  if  I 
don't  leave  soon  she  will;  and  that's  how  'tis  now." 

I  remaiked  that  as  they  had  a  comfortable  home,  with 
the  use  of  a  garden  and  the  proceeds  of  the  orchard,  it 
would  not  be  wisdom  to  give  it  up  because  the  place 
had  the  name  of  being  haunted. 

"  I  wish  it  was  only  the  name,"  he  replied;  "  a  little 
doesn't  frighten  mo,  but  when  'tis  the  same  uproar  and 


i 


I 


m 


lllll!! 


ill! 


J3Q  REMINISCENCES 

devil's  work  nearly  night  after  night  I  can't  stand  it 
mucli  longer.  To  be  kept  from  one's  natural  rest  at 
night  would  break  down  any  constitution.'' 

From  the  man's  appearance  it  seemed  to  mo  that  U 
his  rest  had  been  greatly  disturbed,  it  would  have  shown 
on  him  differently.  As  it  was,  ho  was  as  stout  and 
healthy  looking  as  the  landlord  across  the  stream.  He 
was  evidently  better  informed,  and  there  was  no  lack  of 
resolution  in  his  florid  countenance.  ,„,.,„„ 

»  VTou  have  visitors  hero  very  often,  I  am  told/ 

"^u  Yc»  "  «ai.i  ho.,  with  some  nonchalance,  » there  arc 
plenty  "o'f  c^uri^us  'people  in  the  world.  But  some  who 
come  once  never  want  to  come  agaic,  and  I  can't  blamo 

""well  "  said  I,  "  I  belong  to  the  curious  ones,  and  I 
came  here  purposely  to  look  at  the  place  and  to  see  any- 
thing  of  the  supernatural  that  can  be  discovered.  10 
be  plain  with  you,  friend,  I  have  but  little  faith  m  what 
has  been  told  me  in  relation  to  the  ghostly  beings  who 
are  said  to  appear  in  that  house  or  anvwherc  else,  and 
with  your  permission  I  should  like  to  have  an  opportu- 
nity of  testing  their  reality."  „  ^    ,  .        , ,  ,„ 

"  OhI  that  you  can  have,  of  course,"  he  leisurely  re- 
plied "  You  are  not  the  only  doubter  that  has  come 
here  *  and  like  others  you  may  perhaps  go  away  perfectly 

**"That  is  what  I  wish  to  be.  But  tell  me,"  I  asked, 
"have  you  ever  seen  anything  in  that  house  to  justify 
vou  in  believing  that  it  was  anything  supernatural? 

" Have  I?  "  he  replied  with  apparent  surprise;  ' yes, 
scores  of  times.  I  and  my  wife  have  seen  them  around 
here  oven  in  the  broad  daylight.  Why,  no  later  than 
last  week  the  man  with  the  red  cap  was  seen  hero 

*°The  man  with  the  red  cap!    Why,  surely,  I  thought, 


ICENCE8 


OF  A  PBEACnEB. 


137 


er  night,  I  can't  stand  it 

from  onc'8  natural  rest  at 

constitution." 

ice  it  seemed  to  mo  that  if 

urbcd,  it  would  have  shown 

was,  ho  was  as  stout  and 

)rd  across  the  stream.    He 

id,  and  there  was  no  lack  of 

c nance. 

(  very  often,  I  am  told?" 

le  nonchalance,  "  there  arc 
the  world.  But  some  who 
me  agaic,  and  I  can't  blame 

ig  to  the  curious  ones,  and  I 
:  at  the  place,  and  to  see  any- 
that  can  be  discovered.  To 
have  but  little  faith  in  what 
1  to  the  ghostly  beings  who 
house  or  anywhere  else,  and 
luld  like  to  have  an  opportu- 

,  of  course,"  he  leisurely  re- 
only  doubter  that  has  come 
lay  perhaps  go  away  perfectly 

>  be.  But  tell  me,"  I  asked, 
hing  in  that  house  to  justify 
s  anything  supernatural?  " 
Yith  apparent  surprise;  "yes, 
f  wife  have  seen  them  around 
iaylight.  Why,  no  later  than 
the  red  cap  was  seen  hero 

capl    Why,  surely,  I  thought, 


that  must  be  the  verj'  person  I  saw  with  the  flshing-rod 
by  the  stream;  and  then  I  remembered  that  the  land- 
lord at  the  inn  had  also  mentioned  something  about  a 
man  with  a  red  cap.  Still,  though  ho  had  disappeared 
so  suddenly,  I  scarcely  believed  he  was  anything  else 
than  what  he  looked  to  be  at  the  time. 

"  Have  yoH  seen  him?  "  I  asked. 

"  I  saw  him  only  yesterday,"  he  replied.  "  He  for 
some  reason  rarely  appears  but  by  daylight.  Sometimes 
wc  can  sec  him  looking  out  from  one  of  them  windows," 
and  he  pointed  to  the  old  house.  "  Sometimes  he  is 
seen  sitting  under  a  tree  reading,  sometimes  down  by 
the  stream  fishing,  and  sometimes  in  other  places." 

He  glanced  inquiringly  at  me  as  if  he  expected  to 
hear  me  relate  what  I  had  witnessed  down  by  the 
stream,  but  I  thought  it  best  to  say  nothing  of  it. 

"  I  suppose  sights  and  disturbances  in  that  house  are 
only  seen  and  heard  at  night?"  I  asked. 

"  Seldom  but  at  night,"  he  answered. 

"And  do  you  find  people  courageous  enough  to  go' 
alone  there  after  dark?  " 

"  A  few  will,  but  they  generally  hurry  out  half  dead 
with  fear;  some  only  venture  to  stand  on  the  door-step 
to  hear  the  noise." 

"  Well,  now,"  said  I,  rather  deliberately,  "  I  came 
here  with  the  intention,  as  I  said  before,  to  see  for  my- 
self, and  with  your  permission  I  wish  to  remain  in  that 
house  to-night.  This  night  above  all  others  in  the  year 
will  be  their  time  to  come  if  they  can  do  so.  You  have 
no  doubt  heard  that  ghosts  generally  make  their  appear- 
ance a1)out  Christmas?  "  And  here  I  handed  him  half 
a  crown. 

He  accepted  the  money  thankfully  and  put  it  in  his 
pocket.  He  saw  that  I  was  in  earnest,  and  after  eyeing 
me  rather  furtively,  he  was  silent  for  a  moment  and 
then  replied: — 


Ill 


,  i  il 


jgg  IlKJtlinsCKNCES 

u  I  cannot  refuse  you  if  you  say  you  ure  <lctjJ»mlned; 
but  if  auything  happens,  don't  1^1--"-'^  I.'^-' ^« 
hM  responsible.    I'd  advise  you  not  to  try  it. 

uT^itlsliali;'  Baid  I,  ""Hd  if  you  come  and  ^y  , 
with  me  you  shall  have  as  much  more,    ^ou  shaU  have 
it  any  way  if  they  let  mc  out  agam. 

The  fee  I  gave  him  being,  1  presume,  more  than  he 

»Luld  be  ma^le  as  comfortable  for  me  as  possible. 

?"ds  being  decided  on,  he  expressed  his  readme  s  to 
let  me  enter  the  house  as  soon  as  I  liked  but  as  there 

wasTufflcLt  time,  he  thought  ^^  ^t^tiror^hS 
to  take  a  walk  around  and  see  the  garden,  the  orcliaru, 

an  Itl  e  few  outbuildings,  as  if  he  were  desirous  of  eon- 
v"nc  .'  me  that  there  was  nothing  kep  about  the 
;  emS'es  which  might  create  suspicion  in  he  nund  of  a 
^  T.,    wlvit    1  mav  call  our  ramble,  1  noticcu 

r^J-ou  of  ^Ihford^^y  line,  except  that  notwiUi- 
Btandin-  the  iine  view  which  could  be  seen  around  I 
fandecUhat  there  was  an  air  or  look  of  lonehness  there, 

^i.L^=adr^;?^s^eii-pvr 

nleifttfulTv  s^^^^^^    With  currant  and  gooseberry  bushes 
KfwLe  tiower  beds  with  boxwood  borders,  and 
To/tor  the  walks  were  nicely  gravelled.    A  sun-dial 
™:  set  ui  near  an  old  well,  which  in  summer  time  ^ 
rZlyshLdbyalarge  tree  standing  close  b^     The 

^nr^^^eiw^rirc:^^^^^ 

""^ofL  reSri  sa7  '  little  Ink;-,  and  near  his 
:ra  good-ltd  bull-dog  was  fastened  by  a  chahi; 
besides  Lse,  a  lot  of  domestic  fowl  were  seen  around. 


11 


;A4„*~™- — ■- 


8CKNCE3 

rou  say  you  ure  dctctmlned; 
don't  blame  me;  I  can't  be 

0  you  not  to  try  it." 

"  and  if  you  come  and  stay 
ftucli  more.  You  aliaU  have 
It  again." 

njr,  1  presume,  more  than  ho 
LUioughl.iu  a  more  willing 
,wcvcr,  against  keeping  me 
if  I  wished  it  he  would  fur- 
Ire,  and  that  the  best  room 
iblc  for  mo  as  possible, 
e  expressed  his  readiness  to 
oon  as  I  liked,  but  as  there 
ou<'ht  it  would  be  better  first 
see  the  garden,  the  orchard, 
as  if  he  were  desirous  of  con- 
vus  nothing  kept  about   the 
ite  suspicion  in  the  mind  of  a 
;ay  call  our  ramble,  I  noticed 
[iry  line,  except  that  notwith- 
ich  could  be  seen  around,  I 
air  or  look  of  loneliness  there, 
ler  depressing. 

if  tolerably  well  kept.  It  was 
urrant  and  gooseberry  bushes. 

1  with  boxwood  borders,  and 
B  nicely  gravelled.  A  sun-dial 
roll,  which  in  summer  time  was 

tree  standing  close  by.  The 
•  its  size,  one  of  the  best  I  luid 
rere  in  line  condition,  and  the 
e  been  very  profitable.  There 
j,.pt —a  cow,  a  goat  or  two;  in 
w  a  little  donkey,  and  near  his 
■dog  was  fastened  by  a  chain; 
lomestic  fowl  were  seen  around. 


OF    A    I'KEACUEU. 


130 


After  this  ho  asked  mo  to  his  cottage.  Ilis  wife,  a 
rather  comely  person,  received  me  veiy  kindly.  I  saw 
no  uiiildrcn;  neither  was  the  boy  present  whom  I  had 
observed  there  on  my  arrival.  Everything  within  the 
little  home  appeared  to  be  very  orderly  and  comfortable. 
One  would  think  that  no  ghost  had  ever  entered  here  to 
luicrfere  in  the  least  with  the  domestic  comfort  of  lliis 
parlieular  abode.  We  had  nearly  an  hour's  pleasant 
conversation,  but  when  Mrs.  Gainct)  heard  that  I  had 
asked  permission  to  remain  in  the  old  house  over  night, 
she  raised  her  hands  in  astonishment,  her  face  wore  a 
serious  expression,  but  the  only  remark  she  made  was  a 
kind  of  half-exclamation,  "Lord  save  usl"  Harry 
Gaines  then  whispered  to  his  wife,  they  went  into  a 
little  room,  and  in  a  short  lime  he  returned,  holding  in 
his  hand  a  large  key,  which  was  to  give  us  entrance  to 
the  abandoned  habitation. 


CHAPTER   XVII. 


CnitlSTMAS. 


On  opening  the  door  there  was  a  dull  sound,  and  the 
sudden  rush  of  air  made  some  of  the  loose  windows 
rattle.  We  entered  a  long,  wide  hall,  which  was  very 
dusty,  the  ceiling  and  wall  angles  being  plentifully 
draped  with  cobwebs.  I  thought  there  was  nothing  to 
prevent  those  in  charge  from  keeping  at  least  the 
entrance  in  better  condition.  To  the  right,  we  walked 
into  a  good-sized  apartment;  dust  and  cobwebs  here 
also  in  profusion.  Two  long  desks,  like  those  used  in  a 
school-room,  and  a  few  forms,  were  the  only  things  in 


ii! 


i 


Ml 


f 

I'! 


'■■if 
lit 


I   I 


m 


KEMINISOENCES 


the  Bhapo  of  furnituro  wo  saw  hero.    Gaines  told  mo 
that  some  years  ago  a  school  had  bceu  opened  In  this 
■oom,  but  ihat  in  !ess  than  a  month  not  a  seholar  would 
atlc"  1,  so  the  thing  was  given  up.    A  door  a     he  end 
cd  int^  a  smaller  room.    It  was  in  this  he  said  that  Uie 
murder  had  been  conunitted.   There  were  two  wmdows 
and  a  door  led  out  to  a  back  yard.    We  stopped  here  for 
Jome  minutes.    I  heard  a  fresh  aceon"t  of  the  enme 
and  was  shown  where  the  burglars  had  broken  m  and 
where  the  bodies  lay  after  the  criminals  had  ma<l«  ^hdr 
escape.    Sweeping  away  the  dust  on  one  part  of  tho 
floor  with  the  side  of  his  hand,  ho  showed  me  a  largo 
Itain-a  blood  mark  which  he  said  could  not  be  washed 
out.    Those  which  had  been  spattered  on  the  wall  had 
been  covered  with  whitewash,  and  though  ihe  i^om 
was  one  of  the  best  lighted  and  m««\«beer  u  u      o 
house.  It  was  In  consequence  of  the  murder  called      the 
dark  chamber."  . 

On  the  opposite  side  of  the  hall  was  the  largest  apart- 
ment in  the  building.  It  was  much  cleaner  than  ho 
others,  and  had  formerly  been  the  dhnug-room  or  ho 
principal  room  of  the  hotel.  It  was  In  this  hat  ho 
members  of  the  Society  of  Friends  used  to  meet  foi  the 
transaction  of  business,  as  well  as  perhaps  or  religious 
nurposes.  There  were  no  chattels  or  movables  of  any 
kind  hero,  and  one  might  think  it  was  kept  empty  o 
give  its  spectral  visitants  a  clear  space  for  their  nightly 

°Twide,  massive  staircase,  with  a  heavy  oaken  raU 
and  oaken  balusters,  led  to  the  upper  part  of  the  house. 
There  was  another  long  hall,  and  on  each  side  were  a 
number  of  rooms.  Into  one  of  the  largest  of  these, 
nearly  all  the  furniture,  which  for  some  reason  had 
been  left  behind  by  the  last  occupants  of  the  place,  was 
stowed  away.  Old-fashioned  chairs,  and  tables,  and 
bedsteads  with  taU  posts,  corner  cupboards,  bookcases, 


(I8CKNCES 


OF  A  rRKACIIEB. 


141 


!  saw  hero.    Gaines  told  mo 
ol  had  becu  opened  in  this 
a  month  not  a  scholar  would 
iveu  up.    A  door  at  the  end 
t  was  in  this  he  said  that  the 
id.   There  were  two  windows, 
k  yard.    We  stopped  here  for 
i  fresh  account  of  the  crime, 
burglars  had  broken  in,  and 
the  criminals  had  made  their 
Lho  dust  on  one  part  of  the 
hand,  ho  showed  mo  a  largo 
1  he  said  could  not  be  washed 
)ecn  spattered  on  the  wall  had 
swash,  and  though  iho  room 
ited  and  most  cheerful  in  tho 
uco  of  the  murder  called  "  the 

the  hall  was  the  largest  apart- 
Lt  was  much  cleaner  than  tho 

been  the  dining-room,  or  tho 
otel.  It  was  in  this  that  iho 
>f  Friends  used  to  meet  for  tho 
is  well  as  perhaps  for  religioas 
lo  chattels  or  movables  of  any 
It  think  it  was  kept  empty  to 
I  a  clear  space  for  their  nightly 

case,  with  a  heavy  oaken  rail 
to  the  upper  part  of  the  house. 
[  hall,  and  on  each  side  were  a 
0  one  of  the  largest  of  these, 
e,  which  for  some  reason  had 
last  occupants  of  the  place,  was 
[lioned  chairs,  and  tables,  and 
i8,  corner  cupboards,  bookcases, 


and  a  largo  escritoire;  besides  these,  a  few  pictures  and 
portraits  in  aucioiit  costume  of  those  no  doubt  long 
l)a8sed  away,  and  some  molli-caten  bedding,  curtains, 
iVi;.,  piled  together  in  a  confused  heap,  I  lie  whole  nearly 
filling  tho  entire  department.  On  the  opposite  side 
from  thi»  was  a  ploasont  room,  commanding  a  (Inc  view. 
It  was  empty.  It  liad  a  llre-place,  from  which,  judging 
by  appearances,  smoke  had  not  ascended  for  many 
years.  Having  seen  most  of  the  other  rooms,  I  tookia 
fancy  to  this  one,  and  I  told  Gaines  that  if  he  lit  a  coal 
fire  in  the  grate,  and  gave  me  a  table,  a  chair,  and 
something  to  lie  on  should  I  feel  inclined  to  sleep,  I 
should  remain  in  it  until  morning.  He  of  course  made 
no  positive  objection,  and  tlioji  after  we  had  visited  tho 
range  of  bedrooms  on  the  third  story,  and  lookctl  out 
from  some  of  the  quaint  dormer  windows,  wo  returned 
quite  unharmed  to  tho  cottage  to  partake  of  suppvi',  to 
which  I  had  becu  kindly  invited. 

It  was  quite  dark  when  Gaines  and  I  went  again  across 
lo  the  old  building.  He,  I  fancied,  affected  to  be  a  little 
timid,  but  I  went  on  ahead  of  him,  opened  the  door 
myself,  and  stood  in  tho  large  hall  alone,  even  before 
he  had  succeeded  in  lighting  a  candle  at  the  lantern 
which  he  h.-ul  brought  with  him.  The  night  had  become 
gusty,  and  tho  candle  was  scarcely  lighted  when  it  was 
blown  out,  and  in  a  raoraeut  afterwards  the  light  in  tho 
lantern  was  also  extinguished,  leaving  us  both  in  the 
midst  of  tho  blackest  darkness. 

While  wo  stood  there  groping,  I  heard  something  pass 
quickly  close  to  ray  ear,  and  immediately  afterwards  my 
cheek  was  touched  or  rather  softly  stnick,  and  when  I 
instinctively  raised  my  hands  to  discover  if  there  was 
anything  near  or  over  my  head,  one  hand  was  struck 
with  more  force,  and  my  companion  made  a  rush  for 
the  door,  telling  me  that  he  had  felt  a  man's  list  on  his 
forehead,  and   had  heard  whisperings  or  mutterings 


&i'f'f 


142 


UEMINIHCENCKS 


Which  ha.l  nm.lc  hU  heart  bounce.  I  ha.l  heard  Home- 
U.i .«  of  the  kin.!,  au.l  I  nu.st  nay,  that  at  the  moment 
.oculiur  hupulKc  pro,npte.l  me  to  follow  the  foot. tq.« 
of  (iaiue«  pretty  quickly.  Uul  an  noon  an  ^e  l»u  K  a 
few  vanls  away,  on  our  llij^lit  to  the  cottage,  I  su.I.lenly 
pp  am.it  aHhame.1  of  the  fear  that  hu.l  ent  Hueh 
HuppleneBH  t..  my  le«H.  Still,  with  the  power  1  luu  ef 
me  for  acliberate  thought,  the  HU^geslion  eame  that  a» 
I  was  safely  out  of  that  den,  I  out;ht  not  to  return. 

Gaines  wa.  now  far  in  advaneo  of  me.  and  w lu'n  ho 
got  to  his  own  door  ho  stood  and  shoute. l-  '  I  to  d  you 
80, 1  told  you  so.    Take  my  adviee  and  don't  go  back. 

''  No,"  1  replied,  "  I  shall  go  baek,  I  am  now  more 
determined  than  ever." 

In  Ta et  I  was  really  annoyed  that  I  had  for  so  little 
cause  made  sueh  a  lively  retreat,  and,  »••«»>«»»";"!;'■ 
light  the  lantern  and  accompany  me  again,  I  told  h  m 
hat  as  soon  as  a  tire  was  kindled  I  should  le  h.m  de- 
part,  and  that  when  I  had  the  door  locked  and  barred  I 
should  attempt  to  keep  sole  possession  until  morning. 

During  our  absence  the  large  front  door  of  the  old 
house  had  remained  wide  open,  and  when  we  entered 
again  we  took  good  care  to  keep  the  lantern  «ccure  and 
to  keep  our  lights  from  being  blown  out  a  second  tin  o. 
Gaines  brought  a  basket  of  coal,  some  s  icks,  and  a  ew 
other  things  to  make  rac  as  comfortable  as  possible 
Wrbusied  ourselves  in  making  a  (Ire;  a  small  table  and 
a  chair  or  two  were  brought  in  from  the  other  room  and 
shortly  the  apartment  looked  not  only  comfortable  bu 
cSul.    As  the  coals  blazed  up  and  made  all  bright 
around,  Gaines  laid  his  hand  on  my  arm  and  cried- 

"TTirk!"  ,  1 

The  windows  had  been  rattling,  but  we  had  managed 

to  wedge  them  and  stop  the  motion,  and  an  old  pi  ow 

with  which  wo  had  filled  the  space  or  openiug  left  by  a 


rtCENCK* 


OK  A    I'KKACIIKU. 


143 


Imunco.    I  had  heard  some- 
iHl  say,  tJmt  at  tho  moment 
1  me  to  follow  the  footsteps 
Jul  UH  soon  iw  wc  had  got  a 
It  to  the  coltaf,'e,  I  «ud(U-nly 
the  fear  that  had  It^it  Huch 
I,  with  the  power  1  had  left 
he   HU^!gc8tion  eame  that  as 
,  I  oufjht  not  to  return, 
dvanco  of  me,  and  wlu^n  ho 
id  and  Bhoutcd— "  I  told  you 
r  advlee  and  don't  go  baek." 
ill  go  back,  I  am  now  more 

noyed  tliat  I  luid  for  ho  little 
strcat,  and,  urging  him  to  re- 
upany  me  agaiJi,  I  told  him 
I  kindled  I  should  let  him  do- 
the  door  loeked  and  barred  I 
B  posccsHion  until  morning. 
3  large  front  door  of  the  old 
open,  and  when  wc  entered 
)  keep  the  lantern  secure,  and 
ing  blown  out  a  second  time, 
f  coal,  some  sticks,  and  a  few 
3  as  comfortable  as  possible, 
aking  a  fire;  a  small  table  and 
lit  in  from  the  other  room,  and 
,ked  not  only  comfortable  but 
blazed  up  and  made  all  bright 
land  on  my  arm  and  cried— 

rattling,  but  we  had  managed 
the  motion,  and  an  old  pillow 
the  space  or  opening  left  by  a 


broken  pane  liad  l)een  blown  in.  but  we  had  tliis  bettor 
.secured;  now,  howivii-,  llicirc  wan  a  kind  of  conunotion 
ontsldc,  tiijiH  were  heard  on  the  windows,  and  a  stiango 
llutlering  sound  came  al  inlervids  down  lln-  cliinmev. 

"It  nniMt  be  tlie  wind,"  I  Mni.i;  ••  it  Ikih  very  likely 
lorn  down  «onie  of  llio  ivy,  and  it  h  tiapping  hJre  and 
there  on  the  roof." 

"Not  that,  not  that!"  said  he,  gravely  Hhaking  his 
head,  "  'lis  Honielhing  else,  and  you'll  likely  (Ind  out 
more  about  it  before  midnight.  Tint  ivy  has  clung  to 
the  old  chinuiey  for  many  a  year  and  through  many  n 
Hlorm — no.  'tis  not  Uk;  ivy." 

lie  looked  very  seriously  at  me;  but  not  in  the  least 
diseoncert(!(I,  J  assured  Iiim  that  I  lilt  eonfldeul  thero 
was  nolhing  extraordinary  in  what  we  hud  just  heard, 
and  that  1  had  probably  given  1  ho  most  re.asonable  ex- 
planation as  to  its  cause.  He  soon  uftcrwarrls  went 
away,  and  I  was  alone. 

For  some  tim(>  after  this  everything  was  very  quiet. 
The  wind  had  lulled,  it  had  grown  calm,  and  as  I  stood 
to  look  out  of  a  window,  I  saw  the  full  moon  just  rising 
from  behind  one  of  the  distant  dark  hills,  spreading  its 
soft  lustre  down  the  rough  sides  of  the  elevated  land, 
and  giving  a  silvery  outline  to  trees,  branches,  and  oilier 
prominent  objects  that  were  most  conspicuous.  What 
a  sheen  of  celestial  grandeur  was  spread  around!  Hero 
and  there  a  star  shone  out  as  if  to  hail  the  queen  of 
night,  and  afar  clouds  were  drifting  away  as  if  deter- 
mined that  the  auspicious  day  soon  to  arrive  should  sec 
no  shadow  in  the  glorious  (irmament,  and  that  the  natal 
morn  so  dear  to  the  Christian  world  should  be  magnifl- 
cenlly  ushered  in  attended  by  Hoods  of  imperial'sun- 
light. 

It  was  after  nine  o'clock  when  Gaines  left  me.  Here 
I  was  alone,  and  now  my  courage  was  to  be  put  to  the 


f 

I 


» i 


-l.>j;4.<:-'.>#-^. 


/" 


-^  UKMINISCEKCE8 

test  in  a  different  manner  from  what  it  ever  previously 
bad  been  However,  it  was  not  the  flrst  1-^  -  my  l^e 
Tw  T  hid  been  called  on  to  meet  danger.  I  then  re- 
Imb'd  the  field  of  Waterloo,  and  of  how  I  had  seen 
Ten  fallby  my  side,  while  I  expected  every  momen  to 
men  laii  oy  .  y        .  ^.^^^^  ^U  .^as  dread,  d 

^sran/^x  iltent,!  the  opposing  and  assaiUng 
?orces  seen  in  almost  every  direction  -^1^:11  Z 
nf  nosh  and  blood.    Here  it  was  now,  I  might  say,  per 

he  purses  of  my  heart  power.    Mastering  every  feeUn 
Ivwl  stirred  up  the  fire,  snuffed  the  candles-] 
W  tw"  1  Uun'-an    for  som;  minutes  I  paced  briskh 
arourtbe  1-.    A  thousand  recollections  of  the  pas 
nishcd  Ihrou-h  my  mind,  and  while  preoccupied  in  th 
^ay  I  IT  earcefy  a  thought  to  anything  -pernatura 
To  be  sure  I  thought  of  the  dead,  but  it  was  of  many 
STo  beloved  ones  who  had  left  me,  and  whom  I  woul 
now  bo  glad  to  see  return. 
I  stood  at  the  window  again;  a  largo  black  cloud  ha 

Tho  di  tancc  I  saw  what  appeared  to  be  a  boy  cro  s  tl 

*raS  m  order  to  pas,  .ho  time  «  ^'^l» 
ia,  I  commcDcod  to  .Ing  »  hymn  smtahVo  to  t 

season:  — 

..  While  shepherds  watch  their  flocks  by  night, 
All  seated  on  the  ground, 
'  The  angel  of  the  Lord  came  dowu.  , 

And  glory  shone  arouna. 


IINISCEKCE8 

er  from  wlrat  it  ever  previously 
was  not  tbc  flrst  lime  in  my  life 
)n  to  meet  danger.    I  then  re- 
^atcrloo,  and  of  how  I  had  seen 
,ilc  I  expected  every  moment  to 
3ut  at  that  time  ail  was  dreadLil 
md  the  opposing  and  assailing 
rcry  direction  were  living  forms 
re  it  was  now,  I  might  say,  per- 
il any  seek  to  beset  me,  I  might, 
told,  expect  to  see  some  ghostly 
mi.'ht  chill  my  blood,  and  stop 
power.    Mastering  every  feeling 
the  lire,  snuffed  the  candles-I 
for  some  minutes  I  paced  briskly 
housand  recollections  of  the  past 
Qd,  and  while  preoccupied  in  this 
Ihought  to  anything  supernatural, 
of  the  dead,  but  it  was  of  many  of 
had  left  me,  and  whom  I  would 
urn. 

jw  again;  a  large  black  cloud  had 
,  moon,  but  in  the  dim  Ught,  and 
>  the  indistinct  objects  near  and  in 
hat  appeared  to  be  a  boy  cross  the 
3ading  a  large  dog  which  followed 
•8 1  lost  sight  of  them,  and  though  1 
ne  minutes  afterwards,  I  did  not  see 
iat  by  the  fire,  it  looked  very  cheer- 
pass  the  time  as  agreeably  as  1 
to  sing  a  hymn  suitable  for  the 

fd8  watch  their  flocks  by  night, 

n  Uio  ground, 

he  Lord  came  down,  ;    „  .;  ;  *  t 

bono  around.' 


ov  A  rnEAciiEn. 


145 


Having  finished  this  hymn,  and  been  cheered  as  it 
were  by  the  sound  of  my  own  voice,  I  began  another:  — 

"  Hark  I  the  herald  angola  sing 
'  Glory  to  the  new  l>orn  King ; 
Peaco  on  earth  and  niorcy  mild ; 
God  and  sinners  reconciled ; 
Joyful  all  ye  nations  rise, 
Join  the  triumphs  of  the  skies ; 
With  th'  aiiRelic  hosts  proclaim, 
Christ  is  born  iu  Bethleheuii'  " 

It  was  no  doubt  a  long  time  since  a  human  voice  had 
been  heard  singing  a  Christmas  song  so  lustily  in  that 
old  fabric;  but  no  echo  returned  a  single  sound;  no  re- 
sponse came  back  from  those  household  voices  of  other 
days  ivhen,  perhaps,long  before  I  was  born,  it  may  liavo 
been  that  in  this  very  room,  then  wreathed  with  holly, 
fnther  and  mother,  and  little  red-faced  sleepy  children, 
»vi>.o  had  begged  not  to  be  sent  to  bed— all  now  resting 
in  yonder  graveyard— sat  up  together  to  usher  in  the 
glorious  morn,  uniting  in  a  simple  strain  of  welcome 
and  praise  to  the  infant  God,  the  new-born  Prince  of 
Peace.  And  then  I  thought  what  thousands  all  over 
the  world  would  on  the  morrow  meet  once  more  together 
around  the  festive  board;  what  kind  and  loving  greet- 
ings, what  presents  would  be  distributed,  and^vhat 
wonderful  stories  would  be  heard  by  the  young  concern- 
ing the  feats  of  Santa  Claus ;  what  a  muUituflc  of  bells 
would  be  rung  out,  and  what  sermons  would  be  preached 
in  relation  to  the  great  events  connected  with  this  day 
of  rejoicing! 

Yet,  I  thought,  how  strange  it  was  that  iu  one  sense 
the  legends  regarding  Santa  Claus  were  just  as  true  as 
the  popular  notion  that  our  ordinary  Christmas  Day  is 
the  actual  natal  day  of  the  Christian  Saviour!  We  are 
informed  that  the  primitive  Christians  kept  no  such 
festivals,  perhaps  having  been  prejudiced  against  it  on 
account  of  its  heathen  origin,  and  that  it  was  not  insti- 
tuted until  near  the  end  of  the  second  century.    At 


'E 


^'■'. 


itit-jt«.'"Wa^r-*ijiisid-U*':'-Ai/~-'- 


m 


KEMINISCKNCES 


first  there  was  no  uniformity  as  to  the  Pe"«f    «^^^« 
observance  of  tlxe  nativily  of  V^^"^\Tl'l  tnu"/ 
churches.    Uy  some  the  festival  ^-^  "^fj^J^^; 
ftud  hv  others  in  April  or  May,  and  it  is  asscr  ul  oy 
comnetent  authorities  who  have  made  the  due st ion  a 
8tudy!lhatthe25thof  December  cannot  be,  and  real  y 
snot  the  birth-day  of  the  lledeemer;,  "or,  indeed  is 
:Z  the  actual  year  known  with  certainty     Moshe  - 
the  "reat  ecclesiastical  historian,  says:    "  ^  »«  y^^"^;" 
w^idi  it  happened  has  not  hitherto  been  fixed  wiUi  ce  - 
ainty,   notwithstanding   the   deep   and   laborious    re- 
searches  of  the  learned."    And  Uev.  Canon  Farrar,  m 
u'Soof  Christ,"  says:    "All  attempts  to  discover 
the  month  and  the  day  of  the  nativity  arc  useless 

TlTou"  h  the  Church  of  Home  and  the  Church  of  Eng- 
land stifl  reco^ni^e  this  festival,  yet  the  great  body  of 
S  colters  are^•ather  indifferent  to  it,  mostly  consid^r^ 
in.^  the  day  in  Us  religious  aspect  as  a  mere  "  human 
invenUou-savoring  of  Papistical  will  worship  ";  and 
thev  might  have  added,  of  heathen  allegory.  So  stiong 
a  one  time  was  I'rotestant  hostility  to  this  anniversary 
tLt  the  Puritan  Parliament  abolished  Christnias,  and 
hollv  and  ivy  wia-c  denounced  as  seditious  badges 

There  is  but  little  doubt  but  that  the  day  in  which  wc 
celebrate  our  Christmas,  was,  in  remote  times,  cen- 
-  Ses  before  Christ,  one  of  the  great  Heathen  fesUvals 
-the  new  year  or  biilh  of  the  sun.  In  Pagan  mytholo- 
gv  "Capricornusthe  Goat  is  said  to  have  suckled  tho 
in  ant  Jupiter;  of  which  enigma  the  undoubted  solution 
is  that  the  sun,  who  is  Jupiter,  first  begmniug  to  rise 
on  tho  2.5th  of  December,  when  the  days  have  been 
fehortest  on  the  21st."* 

Among  the  ancients,  Hercules,  as  well  as  Jupiter  and 
Apollo,  meant  the  sun.    The  twelve  labors  of  Hercules 


'  Rev.  Robert  Taylor's  discourses,  p.  42. 


;nce3 


OF  A   PHEACIIEB. 


147 


IS  to  the  period  fortho 
Christ  among  the  early 
il  was  helil  iu  Jamiary, 
vy,  and  it  is  asserted  by 
jc  made  the  (lucstion  a 
ber  cannot  bo,  and  really 
ledeemcr;  nor,  indeed,  is 
ilh  certainty.  Mosheim, 
•ian,  says:  "The  year  in 
lierto  been  fixed  with  cer- 

deep   and   laborious    re- 
nd llev.  Canon  Farrar,  in 
'AH  attempts  to  discover 
nativity  arc  useless." 
,e  and  the  Church  of  Eng- 
al,  yet  the  great  body  of 
3nt  to  it,  mostly  consider- 
spect  as  a  mere  "  human 
stical  will  worship";  and 
lathen  allegory.    So  strong 
ostility  to  this  anniversary, 

abolished  Christmas,  and 
il  as  seditious  badges. 
It  that  the  day  iu  which  wc 
as,  in  remote  times,  ccn- 
tho  great  Heathen  festivals 
le  sun.    In  Pagan  mylholo- 
is  said  to  have  suckled  tho 
gma  the  undoubted  solution 
pitcr,  first  beginning  to  rise 
when   the  days  have  been 

cules,  as  well  as  Jupiter  and 
le  twelve  labors  of  Ilerculea 

rses,  p.  42. 


represent  the  twelve  months  of  the  year.  The  Ortho- 
dox writer,  rarkhurst,  in  his  Hebrew-Lexicon,  admils  a 
great  "  resemlilance  between  Christian  and  I'agau 
mythology."  He  says:  "It  is  well  known  that  by 
Hercules,  in  the  pliysical  mythology  of  the  Heathens, 
was  meant  (he  sun,  or  solar  liglit,  and  Ids  twelve  famous 
labors  have  been  rcfen-cd  to  the  sun's  passing  through 
the  twelve  zodiacal  signs;  and  this,  perhaps,  not  with- 
out some  foundation.  IJut  the  labors  of  Hercules  seem 
to  have  had  a  still  higher  view,  and  to  have  been  origin- 
ally designed  as  emblematical  memorials  of  what  the 
real  Son  of  God  and  Saviour  of  tlie  world  was  to  do  and 
suffer  for  our  sakcs."  Tlie  period  assigned  to  Hercules 
is  nearly  1,;J00  before  our  era.  He  was  tho  son  of  a 
god.  Tho  legend  of  his  death  symbolizes  the  sunset, 
after  which  he  ascended  in  a  cloud  to  heaven. 

The  author  of  the  Celtic  Druids  tells  us  that  "  The 
■^^ceudcd  from  the  prophet  Elijah,  and 
kv  from  the  Essenes,  whose  monas- 
i; '  cd  bfforc  the  Christian  era;  that 
.  ''  u...g  that  from  time  immemorial,  a 
certain  day  had  been  held  sacred  to  the  god  Sol,  tho 
sun,  as  his  birth-day,  and  that  this  god  was  distinguished 
by  the  epithet.  The  Lord,  persuaded  themselves  fcliat 
this  Lord  could  be  no  other  than  their  Lord  God; 
whereupon  they  adopted  the  religious  rites  of  this  Lord, 
and  his  supposed  birth-day,  December  2oth,  became  a 
Christian  festival.  Paganism  being  thus  spliced  and 
amalgamated  into  Christianity." 

And  ho  further  says:  "It  was  the  custom  of  the 
Heathen,  long  before  the  birth  of  Christ,  to  celebrate 
the  birth-day  of  their  gods";  and  that  the  2oth  of 
December  "  was  a  great  festival  with  the  Persians,  who, 
in  very  early  times,  celebrated  the  birth  of  their  God, 
Mithras." 

Iliggins,  in  his  "  Anacalypsis,"  tells  us  that  "  The 


Essenes  were 
the  Camieliti! 
teries  were  • 
these  monks. 


J' 


■^B«W»WISW8Sfe*i.» 


V 


148 


REMINISCENCES 


Egyptians  cclcbrate.l  the  birth  of  the  8on  of  Isis  on  the 
2.:rih  clay  of  l)ccc.nl>er."  And  St.  Clu-ysostom,  refcmng 
to  a  certain  Pagan  festival,  says:  "  «"  J'"*  ' '^^  f "' 
(Dec  -Jotli,)  the  birtli  of  Christ  was  lately  lixcil  at 
llomcin  order  that  whilst  the  Heathen  were  busied 
wUh  iheir  profane  ceremonies,  the  Christians  might 
perform  their  holy  rites  undisturbed." 

In  England,  as  well  as  in  many  other  count  es  of 
Europe,  it  was  usual  to  commence  the  year  at  Christ- 
mas. We  and  it  stated  that  "Gervasc  of  Canterbury 
who  liv^d  in  the  thirteenth  century,  mentions  that 
almost  all  writers  of  his  country  agreed  in  regarding 
Christmas  Day  as  the  lirst  of  the  year,  be.ause  it  forrr  , 
as  it  were,  the  term  at  which  the  sun  Qnishes  and  re- 
poinmcnces  his  annual  course." 

Tirditcrences  of  opinion  regarding  the  person  and 
clnracterof  Christ  have  been  startling  to  many  who, 
lUe    studying    theology,   have    been    perplexed    by 
Te  ounts  derived  from  Pagan  and  from  Jewish  sources 
and  who  have  investigated  conflicting  statements  in 
order  to  discover  truth.    It  is  surprising  to  learn  that 
c    tain  early  Christian  sects,  such  as  the  Gnostics    he 
S;  eus,  the  Ebionites,  and  others,  actually  denied  the 
Sence  and  sufferings  of  Chnst  or  at  most  but  ^^ 
mittcd  that  Reason  was  pcrsonilied  in  him;  Uie  ^^hole 
Srlnd  actions  of  his  life  being  "-'f  >' f  ^-J.^ 
Mosheim  says  that,  "  The  greatest  part  o    the  Gnost  cs 
denied  that  Christ  was  clothed  with  a  real  body,  or  that 
differed  really.    Thus,  while  the  very  being  of    ho 
Saviour  was  denied  by  certain  sects  of  the  early  Chris- 
arns,  we  have  others  at  ihe  P-sent  clay  whose  doubt 
concerning  him  are  generated  from  the  ^ ^f  J^ J*^  f^^^ 
loadin-and  prominent  incidents  m  ^he  1  fe  of  Chri  t 
Indabo  been  the  most  prominent  incidents  m  the  1  f e 
o    the  Indian  Saviour  Chrishna,  who  lived  centuries 
:,  t  dor  to  our  era;  and  it  is  too  well  known  that  many 
wo  at  first  gladly  believed  the  Christian  story, -ere 


ENCKS 

of  the  8on  of  lais  on  the 

St.  Chrvsostom,  referring 
jays:  "  On  this  day  also, 
irist  was  lately  fixed  at 
he  Heathen  were  busied 
Mi,  the  Christians  might 
urbed." 

many  other  countries  of 
nencc  the  year  at  Christ- 
'Gcrvasc  of  Canterbury, 

century,  mentions  that 
intry  agreed  in  regarding 
Lhe  year,  because  it  forms, 

the  sun  finishes  and  re- 

regarding  the  person  and 
en  startling  to  many  who, 
ave    been    perplexed    by 
and  from  Jewish  sourees, 
conflicting  statements  in 
s  surprising  to  learn  that 
such  as  the  Gnostics,  the 
jthers,  actually  denied  the 
Christ,  or  at  most  but  ad- 
onified  in  him;  Uie  whole 
J  being  merely  allegorical, 
catest  part  of  the  Gnostics 
id  with  a  real  body,  or  that 
diile  the  very  being  of  the 
u  sects  of  the  early  Chris- 
present  day  whose  doubts 
ted  from  the  fact  that  the 
dents  in  the  life  of  Christ 
aincnt  incidents  in  the  life 
rishna,  who  lived  centuries 
)  too  well  known  that  many 
d  the  Christian  story,  'ere 


OF  A   PREACHER. 


148 


afterwards  phinged  into  scepticism  when  they  read  the 
distasteful  and  almost  overwhelming  admissions  of  the 
pious  and  learned  Sir  William  Jones,  one  of  the  Judges 
of  the  Supreme  Court  of  Judicature  in  Bengal,  who  was 
well  acquainted  with  the  Ilindoostanee  language,  and 
•'beyond  all  competition  the  most  eminent  Oriental 
scholar  in  this  or  perhaps  any  other  age." 

In  his  Asiatic  llesearchcs,  he  tells  us  that,  "  In  the 
Sanscrit  Dictionary,  compiled  more  than  two  thousand 
years  ago,  we  have  the  whole  story  of  the  incarnate 
deity  born  of  a  virgin,  and  miraculously  escaping  in  his 
infancy  from  the  reigning  tyrant  of  his  country.  .  .  . 
Chrishna,  the  incarnate  deity  of  the  Sanscrit  romance, 
continues  to  this  hour  the  darling  god  of  the  Indian 
women.  The  sect  of  Hindoos  who  adore  him  with  en- 
thusiastic and  almost  exclusive  devotion,  have  broached 
a  doctrine  that  they  maintain  with  eagerness,  that .  .  . 
Chrishna  was  the  person  of  Vishnou  (God)  liimself  in  a 
human  fonn."  The  tyrant  from  whom  Chrishna  es- 
caped was  Kansa,  who,  dreading  the  prediction  that 
Chrishna  would  yet  overthrow  his  power,  issued  the 
command—"  Let  active  search  be  made  for  whatever 
young  children  there  may  be  upon  the  earth,  and  let 
every  boy  of  unusual  vigor  be  slain  without  remorse." 

Though  many  other  prototypes  of  the  Christian 
Saviour— such  as  Buddha— have  been  brought  forward 
to  prove  that  his  existence  on  earth  is  but  a  myth, 
Christians  arc  told  to  be  cautious  about  giving  heed  to 
such  evidences.  The  advice  given  under  the  circum- 
stances is,  that  we  should  pray  for  a  stronger  and 
greater  measure  of  faith,  and  then,  while  suppressing 
every  doubt,  that  we  should  submit  like  true  believers 
to  the  great  mysteries  of  Divine  Revelation.  Yet  how 
few,  comparatively,  can  do  thisl  Were  the  scepticism 
in  the  church — even  within  the  pulpit— made  known, 
how  many  believers  would  stand  amazed  at  the  back- 
sliding and  degeneracy  of  these  latter  days! 


1 


J00  nEMlNISCENCES 


r  CIIAITEll  XVIII. 

THE  GHOST. 

The  hours  passed  while  thus  reflecting  on  this  import- 
ant subject.    How  peaceful  all  seemed  within  and  with- 
outl     The  silence  was  almost  profound.    I  stole  gently 
towards  the  window.    The  moonlight  was  now  nearly  as 
bright  as  day,  not  a  cloud  could  he  seen.    lutmmerablc 
stars  were  in  the  heaven,  and  immerous  ghoHt-likc  shad- 
ows within  the  range  of  my  vision  were  apparently  ilxed 
and  immovable  on  the  earth.    What  perfect  stillness  1 
Not  the  gentlest  wind  to  breathe  a  sigh  for  the  withered 
leaves  still  clinging  to  the  parent  stem.    The  quietude 
of  my  own  mind  was  unruffled  by  the  slightest  fear,  and 
in  a  calmness  of  spirit,  like  what  believers  call  the  peace 
of  God,  I  bethought  me  of  the  many  acts  of  my  own 
.     life,  of  the  strange,  the  wild,  the  variegated,  and  the 
dolorous  scenes  which  I  had  witnessed,  and  of  those 
near  and  dear  to  me  who  had  passed  from  the  cares  and 
trials  of  life  never  to  return.    In  dwelling  at  this  vener- 
ated season  upon  the  ephemeral  and  transitory  nature 
of  sublunary  things,  my  thoughts  turned  to  the  great 
hereafter,  and  while  tears  stood  in  my  eyes,  the  question 
came— Is  there  to  be  a  reunion  of  sundered  hearts,  of 
^  those  who  have  long  been  parted,  or  shall  we  never 

meet  again;  there  being  as  some  believe  an  end  of  all 
consciousness  at  the  hour  of  death;  no  resurrection,  no 
future  restoration,  no  infliction  for  successful  crime,  nor 
redress  for  the  sufferings  of  virtue,  but  all  alike,  the 
evil  and  the  good,  to  be  placed  on  an  equality  in  the  in- 
terminable rest  of  the  grave? 

Just  then  a  long  low  moan  startled  me  from  my  reve- 
rie, and  made  my  very  hair  stand  on  end!  I  instinct- 
ively grasped  the  nearest  object  and  stood  motionless. 


iNCEB 


OF  A  PREACHEn. 


m 


XVllI. 


I.ST. 


reflecting  on  this  import- 
seemed  williin  and  with- 
profound.  I  stole  gently 
onlight  was  now  nearly  as 
d  be  seen.  lutiumerablo 
lumorous  ghost-like  shad- 
ion  were  apparently  fixed 
What  perfect  stillness  1 
he  a  sigh  for  the  withered 
lent  stem.    The  quietude 

by  the  slightest  fear,  and 
lat  believers  call  the  peace 
e  many  acts  of  my  own 
,  the  variegated,  and  the 

witnessed,  and  of  those 
massed  from  the  cares  and 
In  dwelling  at  this  vener- 
eal and  transitory  nature 
ights   turned  to  the  great 
)d  in  my  eyes,  the  question 
on  of  sundered  hearts,  of 
)arted,  or  shall  we  never 
some  believe  an  end  of  all 
leath;  no  resurrection,  no 
n  for  successful  crime,  nor 
E  virtue,  but  all  alike,  the 
id  on  an  equality  in  the  in- 
startled  me  from  my  revc- 
tand  on  end!     I  instinct- 
jcct  and  stood  motionless. 


Then  came  another  moan  louder  and  more  distinct,  and 
in  lliu  stillness  which  followed,  the  village  church  clock 
struck  out  in  clear  tones  the  solemn  hour  of  raidiiiglit. 
So  sudden  and  startling  was  the  interruption,  that  in 
spite  of  all  I  could  do,  I  felt  my  limbs  Ircmbling,  and 
this  increased  when  something  rushed  along  the  hall 
dragging  what  I  imagined  to  bo  a  heavy  chain.  I  am 
ashamed  to  say  that  at  the  moment  I  was  so  overcome 
by  a  peculiar  feeling  of  te'rror  that  I  was  incapable  of 
exercising  the  least  self-control,  and  in  a  kind  of  horri- 
(icd  frenzy  I  would  have  jumped  through  the  window 
were  it  not  that  my  limbs  were  useless,  and  I  felt  unable 
to  leave  the  spot  on  which  I  stood.  All  the  frightful 
ghost  stories  I  had  ever  heard  recurred  in  a  few  seconds 
to  my  mind.  A  moan  was  heard  again.  Had  my  ears 
deceived  me?  And  now  did  my  eyes  betray  me,  for  the 
room  seemed  full  of  spectral  faces  glariug  and  frowning 
on  me  with  hideous  expression?  The  candles  which  a 
moment  before  had  burned  brightly  grew  dim,  and  at 
the  end  of  the  apartment  the  outlines  of  a  form  became 
visible,  at  first  faintly,  but  gradually  they  developed  into 
a  human  figure  clothed  in  dark  grey,  the  veritable  figure 
of  the  fisherman  with  a  red  cap  which  I  had  heard  so 
much  of,  and  which  I  must  have  seen  on  the  head  of 
the  man  or  the  spectre  the  previous  evening  by  the 
river. 

In  spite  of  all  I  could  do  my  gaze  was  rivctted  upon  this 
apparition;  it  seemed  impossible  for  me  to  turn  my 
head  away  from  it  in  any  direction.  There  it  stood  with 
averted  face.  There  was  the  red  cap,  tlic  pale  face,  the 
stooped  form  almost  just  as  I  had  seen  it  in  the  distance 
by  daylight.  I  felt  as  if  completely  overcome  by  some 
strange  unnatural  influence.  In  a  little  time,  liowcvcr, 
while  still  looking  at  the  shadowy  form,  I  mad(!  a  des- 
perate mental  effort,  and  regained  my  self-possession. 
I  felt  able  to  move,  and  then  it  occurred  to  me  that  my 


>*.■._?:-  -.i?^.- 


r 


lfi2 


RKMINlSt'ENCES 


•c 


fear  had  shaped  this  phantom  to  my  lma,ginat.on  that 
ocululy  I  l.a.l  been  dcceivud,  and  that  all  was  but  an 
ilSn.  1  rubbed  my  eyes  and  looked  agam;  he  facos 
had  disappeared,  and  the  speelral  form,  which  at  first 
S  Z't  chUkd  my  blood,  now  seemed  ^-^--^^-^ 
U  grew  less  and  less  distiuct;  then  It  became  but  the 
faintest  shadow,  and  now-it  was  gone!  • 

I  never  felt  more  relieved.  The  candles  burned  brlgh  y 
a.^ain.    I  was  surprised  that  I  had  given  way  to  a    ud- 
den  fright  which,  had  I  exercised  more  control,  might 
not  have  alarmed  mc  or  even  a  resolute  school-boy     In 
t.  Zl  of  anger  which  a-^Uly  followed  I  lost  a Imos 
cverv  fear,  and  were  a  demon  tiien  to  face  mc  I  think  1 
cou  d  have  commenced  an  assault.    I  sUrred  up  the  flre 
or  he  coals  had  almost  ceased  to  1^"^",  ami  seizing  a 
heavy  piece  of  wood  which  lay  near  the  flrc-p  ace    I 
Son  my  defence,  prepared  to  meet  any  imrud- 
and  I  fancied  I  might  not  have  long  to  >vait.    Another 
moan,  more  long  and  melancholy  than  any  ^^  uch  had 

preceded  it,  was  now  heard,  and  t^-*  wa^.f'''!  '  hou-  M 
vhen  a  thump  came  against  the  door  lb      ^ Jh^Uoht 
wouldbui-stitin.    Heavy  steps  were  hr      I  overheaa, 
and  alon^  the  hall  the  chain  rattled  once  i     ^e,  and  then 
down  the  stairway,  sending  a  dull  echo  tL  .aghout  Iho 
Sing     Still  afler  all  I  felt  no  trace  of  returning  fear 
for  at  this  time  I  somehow  imagined  that  there  was 
nothL  supernatural  in  anything  that  l-^yxt  taken 
nlacc   '  I  P't  the  stick  under  my  arm,  and  lifting  one  ot 
£  cJlis  1  went  softly  towards  the  door  -dv;^o  ™^ 
out  and  follow  if  possible  whatever  caused  the  disturb 
ancc    A  louder  knock  came  against  it  and  the  latch  was 
Wted.    Now  was  my  opportunity.    I  hastily  undid  the 
fastenints  swung  the  door  open,  and  stood  with  a  light 
u  the  widi.  hall  just  in  time^o  see  the  actual  fi^erman 
with  the  red  cap  retreating  towards  the  firs  w^^^^^i^^J 
below!  and  followed  by  a  large  black  dog  dragging  a 
heavy  chain  after  him. 


'^1 


KNCE8 


OF  A  riJKAfUKn. 


133 


to  my  imagination;  that 
and  tluxt  uU  was  but  an 
Hooked  again;  tlic  faces 
'Ami  form,  wliich  at  first 
,ow  seemed  fading  away. 
;  then  it  bccamo  but  tho 
vas  gonci 

lie  candles  burned  brightly 
liad  given  way  to  a  sud- 
iaed  more  control,  might 
a  resolute  school-boy.  In 
kly  followed,  I  lost  almost 

liien  to  face  me  I  think  I 
ault.    I  stirred  up  the  fire, 
led  to  burn,  and  seizing  a 
lay  near  the  fire-place,  I 
•ed  to  meet  any  intruder, 
VI!  long  lo  wait.    Another 
holy  than  any  wlikh  had 
Qd  that  was  scarcely  ended, 
t  the  door  lb      1  thought 
cps  were  hr      I  overhead, 
rattled  once  i     re,  and  then 
a  dull  echo  th  .aghout  the 
t  no  trace  of  returning  fear, 
w  imagined  that  there  was 
rthing  that  had  yet  taken 
r  my  arm,  and  lifting  one  o£ 
rards  the  door,  ready  to  rush 
tiatever  caused  the  disturb- 

against  it  and  tho  latch  was 
lunity.  I  hastily  undid  tho 
open,  and  stood  with  a  light 
iXo  sec  the  actual  fisherman 
towards  the  stairs  which  led 
large  black  dog  dragging  a 


For  a  moment  tho  apparition  of  the  man  startled  me, 
but  when  I  saw  the  animal  with  the  ebain  evidently 
Htnvpped  to  his  neck,  I  suspected  at  once  that  the  so- 
e.'illed  ghosts  were  but  a  clumsy  imposition  whieh  I 
might  possibly  be  able  to  detect  and  expose.  As  to  tho 
positive  deception  I  now  became  more  satisfied.  In  old 
storied  that  I  had  heard  and  read,  it  used  lo  bo  related 
tbat  a  sulphurous  sm  ill  accompanied  the  visitation  of 
evil  spirits,  but  here  a  different  odor  regaled  my  nostrils 
—a  strong  smell  of  tol  acco,  a  thing  I  never  use.  To- 
bacco as  a  sedative  .o  an  uneasy  or  to  a  wandering 
ghost,  was  out  of  tho  question.  This  left  no  doubt  on 
my  mind  but  that  the  fisherman  was  cither  my  friend, 
Mr,  Gaines  liimself,  or  an  accomplice,  and  I  was  deter- 
mined to  entrap  him  or  them  in  a  manner  least  expected. 

Now,  thought  I,  if  I  can  lead  them  to  believe  that  I 
am  really  afraid,  they  will  return  and  become  more  bold 
in  their  attempts.  In  a  tremulous  voice  I  asked,  "  In 
God's  name,  who  are  you,  or  what  do  you  want?  " 

I  hurried  back  into  the  room  and  made  a  pretence  of 
fastening  the  door  more  securely;  then  putting  on  my 
long  gray  travelling  overcoat,  which  I  had  thrown  on 
the  back  of  a  chair  early  in  the  night,  I  tied  a  red  hand- 
kerchief around  my  head,  so  as  to  look  as  nearly  as 
possible  like  a  cap,  I  opened  the  door  softly,  closed  it 
again,  and  stood  a  little  aside  in  the  dark  hall.  I  knew 
that  another  knock  at  the  door,  such  as  had  been  given, 
would  send  it  wide  open,  and  I  knew  that  the  light 
would  be  sufficient  to  let  them  see  me  and  verj'  likely 
make  them  believe  that  I  was  no  fictitious  representa- 
tive of  the  fisherman,  but  the  actual  ghost  liimself;  for 
though  a  counterfeit  of  the  man  with  the  red  cap  might 
be  attempted,  and  no  doubt  had  often  been  attempted  for 
a  special  purpose,  yet  fhere  was  a  prevailing  belief  among 
most  persons  in  the  neighborhood — I  think  even  Gaines 
himself  gave  some  credit  to  such  a  story — that  a  ghostly 


j^  UKMINISCENCES 

apparition  of  this  kind  was  "^-^^^^  ^^'::X 

ke  pc^l  am  olhoi.  in  the  village  of  Ho bhn  wouW  bo 
mXallyBcn-ccl  by  keeping  up  ^^ff^^L^Z 
haunted  meelin-house;  but  I  I'^eBum  it  had  seduce  y 
ever  entered  their  nnnds  to  imagine  ^^a  'W  one  Iso 
would  venture  to  counterfeit  tlic  same  ghost  for  t/te« 

^Ti^:S^^^:Str:i^«;inaionelnthehaii     W 
back     e"lcd  closely  to  the  wall,  I  stood  on  the  op,.o«.o 
Hide  a  pace  or  so  .listant  from  the  room  door     boo    I. 
hmli  whisper  at  the   end  of  the  long  hall,  and  Ihc 
sXtVo  slide  footstep  was  heard  ascen<ling  the  stairs 
from  he  lower  part  of  the  house.    The  parlies,  whoever 
hT n  id  lie   were  no  doubt  gelling  ready  for  another 
SutaM.erfeclly  dark  where  I  stood,  but  a  win- 
dow at  the  furthest  end  from  me  allowed    ullu.    it 
St  dim  as  it  was,  to  enable  nic  to  sec  anylbmg  a  - 
nfoachn     from  that  .Urectlon.    In  loss  than  a  nnn- 
S  e  twra.^ures  stood  between  me  and  the  window  one 
tic  sTzc  of  a  full-grown  man,  the  other  evident  y  bu  a 
.  W    -a  there,  siie  enough,  was  also  what    00  e^^^ 

^  a  !■  r-c  do-.  Presently  the  man  gave  a  long-drawn 
^oSth2*fe,y  gave  ono^  feebler  ^"t  moren^eh^ 
then  ho  flun-r  down  what  sounded  like  a  hcav>  cha  n, 
which  he  must  have  been  holding  up,  and  the  noi^e 
^Idcd  throughout  the  building.  ^^^^^^ 
boy,  followed  by  the  dog,  Ihe  chain  ratlUng  all  the  w  a  . 
ThJy  passed  mo  hurriedly,  even  the  dog  no  haM.g 
Itocted  mo,  and,  ascending  a  stairs,  made  their  way  to 
the  upper  apartments,  and  again  all  was  still. 

ThUmrtof  the  performance  having  boon  thus  again 

roenXiwaltocrthonext.    StepYstep,asi    on 

tin-toe  the  other  figure  now  approached  me.    Were  one 

,  iLC^g  ia  the  room  I  had  just  loft,  the  tick  of  a  clock 


JENCE8 

more  than  once  flccn  In 
an  oV)jcct  to  gftlii  in  a 
>  (Irowncd  nnj^ler,  for  inn- 
iUiige  of  Koblin  would  be 
;  up  the  <lclu8ioti  #>1ho 
I  presume  it  had  sciircely 
imagine  that  any  one  else 
the  same  ghoat  for  their 

lone  in  the  hall.  With  my 
rail,  I  stood  on  the  opposite 
jm  the  room  door.  Soon  I 
I  of  the  long  hall,  and  the 
heard  ascending  the  stairs 
ousc.  The  parties,  whoever 
)t  getting  ready  for  auolhcr 
;  where  I  stood,  but  a  win- 
from  me  allowed  sullieient 
We  me  to  see  anything  i»li- 

tion.  lt>  If'ws  tl"*'^  '^  """■ 
en  mc  anl  the  wiiidow,  one 
an,  the  other  evidently  but  a 
h,  was  also  what  looked  like 
le  man  gave  a  long-drawn 
eblcr  but  more  melancholy, 
lounded  like  a  heavy  chain, 
a  liolding  up,  and  the  noi-^e 
l)uilding.  On  (hen  came  the 
he  chain  rattling  all  the  way. 
f,  even  the  dog  not  having 
ig  a  stairs,  made  their  way  to 
again  all  was  still, 
nance  having  been  thus  again 
next.  Step  by  step,  as  if  on 
)W  approached  me.  Were  one 
d  just  left,  the  tick  of  a  clock 


OF    A    rREAClIEIl. 


155 


could  hardly  be  heard.  He  was  now  almost  within  my 
reach,  lie  stooped  with  his  ear  dose  to  Ihe  door,  as  if 
to  discover  tlie  least  sound.  All  inside  was  of  course  as 
.still  as  death;  then,  drawing  hack,  he  struck  the  door, 
evidently  with  hU  open  hand,  probably  to  make  a  louder 
noise,  and  it  Hew  wide  open. 

In  a  moment  I  stepped  into  the  broad  light  and  con- 
fronted the   disturber  of  my  midnight  hours.     I  stood 
bil'orc  him  stilt  as  a  post,  with  a  solemn  frown  on  my 
countenance,  my  arms  close  to  my  side,  the  hand  in 
which  I  held   the  billet  of  wood   being  drawn  a  littlo 
behind.     lie  gazed  on  me  for  a  second  or  two  willi  tho 
wild,  despairing  look  of  a  startled  maniac.    There  was 
(Jaines  himself— I  knew  his    face   at  once— with   tho 
V(!ritable  gray  coat  and  red  cap,  and  now  that  the  tables 
were  turned,  he  stood  trcmljliiig  and  almost  transfixed 
to  the  spot,  while  lines  of  perfect  horror  were  depicted 
on  his  visage.     If  he   had   never  seen   the   ll.sherman 
before,  he   nmst  have  certainly  believed  that  he  saw 
him  now  for  the  first  time.     1  was  going  to  salute  him 
with  a  moan  as  dreadful  as  one  of  his  own,  but  I  was 
unable  to  do  so,  and,  in  spite  of  every  restraint,  1  had 
to  laugh  outright  in  liis  very  face.     It  was,  however, 
evidently  no  laughter  to  him,  my  outburst  of  cachina- 
tion  must  have  terrilied  him  as  if  it  \/ere  the  gibberinflr 
of  a  ucud.    Without  saying  a  word — he  must  have  been 
unable  to  utter  a  single  exclamation— oft'  he  started  and 
ran  along  the  hall  like  a  hare.     I  followed  Iiim,  and  just 
a^  he  was  about  to  descend  tiic  stairs  1  made  a  grab  at 
his  head  and  returned  with  his  red  cap  to  the  room  in 
triumph. 

I  was  now  to  all  intents  and  puqioscs  master  of  the 
situation.  The  dog  gave  a  bark ;  it  was  his  iirst  attempt 
that  way  during  the  night.  He  must  have  had  intelli- 
gence enough  to  discover  that  something  was  wrong; 
the  boy  veiy  probably  also  feeling  that  this  was  tho 


/  ' 


160 


BEMIN1WENCE9 


case  Not  wishing  to  alurn.  the  l..!,  I  took  off  my  ..t J 
Z^J,  rnnove.1  thu  n-l  huudkcnhiof  rc.m  n^ h..^ 
took  ft  camllcan.l  follownl  up  sla.rrt.  I  ha.l  num.  y 
rr«chea  the  u^er  hv.ulin,  when  Homelhh.«   ruj heel      , 

'Time"'  by  ,h„  ,h,«.,,  repeated  more  than  o„c. 

Mm  to  make  the  preparaliouH  usually  got  ready  to  ira- 
p"L  BtrlllSorl  with  a'sfonger  belief  that  the  place  and 
its  Burrouudings  were  hauutod. 


ir- 


ClIArTEtt   XIX. 

EXORCISM. 

uvow  m«boy,"™lI,»tler  1  had  closed  Iho  door 

.ndplaledlyialr  a,.ln,l  i.  .o  1--"'  '•  ""'^j:' 
1  „v,.  <irii.  T  s!iw  vou  across  at  luc  imi, 
X^y^  rrrdrt::.ilcTJtrulyfelt  myself  to  he 
one  at  th  time  and  would  have  considered  it  no  mis- 
nomer-''and  I  now  know  what  brought  you  here 
YoTl  ave  been  wickedly  engaged  with  Mr.  Games,  who 
hrcrargeof  this  house,  to  make  people  heheve  U  . 
hauated.    Is  not  that  the  case? ' 


he  liicl,  1  look  off  my  ^Tcy 
lulkcirliiof  from  my  Ik'H'Ii 
iipBlairrt.    I   Im.l  Mcimuly 
wn  Homflhliif,'  ninhi-d  by, 
Ills  wart    in(\l)lu'iv'>lo,  but 
1   nothing  »uperniilural.     I 
relighted   the  cjuullc,  and 
to  me.    Tho  dog  barked 
filing  the  boy  that,  aa  there 
unless  ho  obeyed  I  Hhould 
lil  daylight,  ami  then  take 
r  aiding  and  aauisling  iu  an 

repeated  more  than  once, 
the  dog  dragging  tb^  tl»:"ii 
nuch  surprised  to  discover 
ncen  at  the  inn  across  tho 
and  who  had  most  probably 
les  that  an  inquisitive  visitor 
i  meeting-house,  and  to  tell 
ous  usually  got  ready  to  ira- 
iger  belief  that  tho  place  and 
ted. 


Ell   XIX. 

ncisM. 

after  1  had  closed  the  door 
i8t  it  to  prevent  his  escape, 
saw  you  across  nt  the  inn, 
o"— 1  truly  felt  myself  to  be 

have  considered  it  no  mis- 
,w  what  V>rought  you  here. 
.u"aged  with  Mr.  Gaines,  who 
,  to  make  people  believe  it  is 
case?" 


OK  A    PIlKACirKn. 


191 


The  l)oy  hung  his  head  and  remained  silent.  He  wa.^ 
a  cnirty-looking  chap,  one  Just  audi  as  couM  he  used  as 
an  accomplice  by  ihe  landlord  of  the  inn,  as  well  as  by 
(iaines,  for  the  veriest  Irille  of  recompense. 

"  See  here,"  I  conlinued,  ''  I  liavo  found  out  all. 
You  know  that  red  cap?"  and  I  held  it  out  before  liiin. 
He  looked  at  It  wllh  perfect  astonishment,  and  iu  u 
confused  way  asked:  — 

"  lie  Maister  ( Jainea  sent  to  prison?  " 

IU)  m.ay  h.avo  probably  thought  that  half  a  dozen 
policemen  or  constables  were  somewlioro  about  on  tho 
watch,  and  (hat  (Jaines  had  been  arrested. 

"Not  yet,"  I  answered,  "but  if  you  and  ho  do  not 
make  a  full  confession  of  liow  you  liave  imposed  on  tho 
public  and  made  this  property  of  liiilo  or  no  value  to 
the  owner,  you  and  he  may  be  sent  lo  jail,  and  from 
that  bo  perhaps  sent  much  further,  even  transported 
out  of  tho  country,  even  to  IJolany  ]{ay." 

He  began  to  cry,  and,  boy-like,  tried  to  throw  the 
blamo  on  others.  He  fancied  himself  c()mi)letcly  in  my 
power,  and,  on  questioning  him,  ho  made  every  achnis- 
sion  necessary  to  prove  that  certain  |)artieH,"tlirou"h 
motives  of  self-interest,  had  led  the  pui)lie  to  believe 
that  tho  old  meeting-house  was  haunted,  and  that, 
though  a  number  of  persons  had  come  every  year  to  see 
tho  place,  I  was  tlic  only  one  he  knew  of  who  Imd  liad 
sufficient  courage  and  determination  to  remain  in  the 
building  after  night.  J  then  n^kod  him:  - 
"  How  long  have  you  been  living  at  tlie  inn?  " 

"  Nearly  or  it  moight  be  aboot  three  year." 
"  Where  do  your  parents  live?  " 
"  Yoonder  o'er  across  the  strcaum,"  he  replied,  nod- 
tling  his  head  to  indicate  the  direction. 

'■  Have  you  ever  seen  anything  like  a  gLostinthia 
Iiouse?  " 
"No,  Sir." 


158 


EEMINISCENCEa 


'•  Has  Gainc8  or  his  wife  ever  peen  one  here?  " 
"  I  duan't  blecvc  so." 
'•  Has  anybody  else?" 
'•  Not  that  I  knows  on." 

"  You  saw  rac  at  the  inn  yesterday  evening,  and  wer 
sent  to  tell  Gaines  1  was  coming?" 
"  Yccas,  Sir." 

"  Was  not  Gaines  the  fisherman  that  I  saw  on  th 
bank  of  the  river?  " 

"  Yeeas,  Sir.    lie  run  doon  when  he  heard  you  wei 
a-cooming,  an'  stood  on  the  bank." 
"  Were  you  near  him?  " 
"I  wor  a-watching  of  you  close  by." 
"  IIow  was  it  that  he  disappeared  so  suddenly?  " 
"  When  you  toorned  yer  head  to  look  oop  at  t'ai 
hoosc,  I  clapped  hawnds,  an'   then  he  run  into  tl 
greeat  tree  joost  at  t'soidc." 

"Ah I  that  was  the  way,  was  it?    And  then  he  to( 
a  short  cut  to  the  house  and  got  there  before  I  had?  " 
"  Y'ecas,  Sir." 

"  What  was  it  that  put  out  the  candle  and  the  lante 
last  night,  just  after  Gaines  and  I  first  entered  the  ha 
But  perhaps  you  can't  tell,  you  were  not  with  U3  at  t 

time?" 
He  considered  for  a  while  and  replied:— 
"  I  doean't  naa,  but  it  maun  be  the  baats.    Ab( 
t'gloaming  they  are  a-floapin'  here  by  t'score." 

°This  struck  me  as  being  the  proper  explanatu 
Something  had  been  fluttering  around  Gaines  and  n 
self  at  the  time,  aid  when  he  told  me  that  he  had  fel 
man's  fist  on  his  forehead,  and  aft'ccted  to  bo  alarm 
be  must  have  known  well  that  both  he  and  I  had  b< 
touched  by  one  of  the  fluttering  bats  which  frequen 
the  old  house  in  numbers;  and  it  was,  no  doubt,  a 
that  had  put  out  the  light  I  held,  when,  bu 
few  minutes  previously,  I  had  followed  the  boy 
stairs. 


EMINISCENCES 


wife  ever  peen  one  here?  " 


!  inn  yesterday  evening,  and  were 
as  coming?" 

the  fisherman  that  I  saw  on  the 

un  doon  when  he  heard  you  were 
)n  the  bank." 
m?" 

of  you  close  by." 
e  disappeared  so  suddenly?  " 
;d  yer  head  to  look  oop  at  t'aud 
wnds,  an'  then  he  run  into  the 
soide." 

way,  was  it?  And  then  he  took 
ise  and  got  there  before  I  had?  " 

put  out  the  candle  and  the  lantern 
Gaines  and  I  first  entered  the  hall? 
t  tell,  you  were  not  with  U3  at  the 

a  while  and  replied:— 
it  it  maun  be  the  baats.    Aboot 
i-floapin'  here  by  t'score." 
as  being  the  proper  explanation, 
fluttering  around  Gaines  and  my- 
when  he  told  me  that  he  had  felt  a 
3head,  and  affected  to  bo  alarmed, 
I  well  that  both  he  and  I  had  been 
le  fluttering  bats  which  frequented 
imbers;  and  it  was,  no  doubt,  a  bat 
the   light   I   held,   when,   but  a 
)usly,  I  had  followed  the  boy  up 


OF  A  PUKACriKR. 


159 


Changing  the  subject,  I  asked  the  boy  several  ques- 
tions on  other  matters,  but,  though  he  appeared  to  be 
naturally  shrewd,  he  had  never  received  the  least  in- 
struction in  the  ordinaiy  line  of  education.  lie  could 
not  read;  in  fact,  he  could  not  tell  one  letter  from 
another,  and,  like  a  thousand  others  of  his  class  in 
England,  being  merely  influenced  by  some  rude  super- 
stitious notions,  he  had  no  conception  of  religion  or  of 
his  responsibility  to  a  Divine  Being,  and  but  a  frail  idea 
as  to  the  existence  of  God  himself. 

He  lay  before  the  fire  and  was  soon  asleep.  The  dog 
betook  himself  to  a  corner  and  followed  the  example, 
while,  to  prevent  their  escape,  I  sat,  covered  by  my 
large  coat,  with  ray  back  to  the  door,  and  thought  over 
my  adventures  and  of  how  easy  it  might  have  been  by 
fair  inquiry  and  investigation  to  dispel  many  other 
delusions  just  as  I  now  felt  that  I  had  in  a  manner  done 
so  with  regard  to  this  haunted  building.  For  many  years 
there  were  a  number  of  credulous  persons  of  nearly  all 
classes,  the  so-called  educated  as  well  as  the  ignorant, 
who  had  readily  believed  this  old  wives'  fable,  permit- 
ting a  vicious  tradition  to  be  handed  down  from  father 
to  son  without  proper  inquiry,  giving  to  a  clumsy 
legend  of  this  kind  all  the  coloring  of  truth,  and 
enabling  men  such  as  Gaines,  and  the  innkeeper,  and 
others  in  Roblin,  to  add  to  their  store  by  the  promulga- 
tion of  a  falsehood,  and  to  live  in  comparative  ease  by 
the  practice  of  gross  deception. 

But  then,  thought  I,  how  averse  arc  mankind  in  gen- 
eral to  investigate  the  claims  of  any  principle  or  doc- 
trine which  they  may  have  been  taught  from  childhood 
to  consider  a  truth!  Too  often  they  are  led  to  look  upon 
the  distorted  representation  of  virtue  as  the  beauty  of 
holiness.  The  craven  submission  of  the  servile,  or  the 
unyielding  stubbornness  of  learned  stupidity  in  the 
church,  and  at  the  head  of  schools,  colleges,  and  uni- 


160 


RKMINISCENCES 


ver8ities,ha8  been  a  bar  to  progress  for  generations, 
ropilar  error  has  boon  triumphantly  rnarching  all  ove 
the  world  in  the  beautiful  garb  of  Truth;  and,  at  the 
nresent  day,  many  ordained  as  well  as  secular  teaehers, 
rixently  unable  or  unwilling  to  deteet  the  imposition 
rprSate  before  haughty  Assumption,  and  shout 
•hosaSnas  in  praise  of  consecrated  trumpery,  and  anti- 

^ttttml;l7rH^  and  associate  say  when 

I  tell  hm  to-morrow  or  next  day  how  easily  I  dispersed 
Jhe  gboslB  of  this  fabric  whieh  had  such  an  existence  m 
his  imagination?  He  may  not  believe  my  report  I  aving 
Jugged  the  delusion  so  long,  he,  like  the  host  o  st  ckleu 
for  old  notions,  may  be  unwilling  to  abandon  it  foi  stem 
reaUty.    Though  a  teacher  himself,  he  may  be  averse  to 

"ntarn  much  of  the  useless  stuff  that  1-  crowc  ed  us 
brain  to  the  exclusion  of  useful  knowledge.    'T-.s  hard 
TlZe  to  abandon  the  myths  which  are  in  a  way  so 
com  ortable  and  consoling  for  facts  which  must  "-^^^^^^ 
moniously  uproot  their  fancied  theonos  and  chssolve  he 
misty  aerial  castles  of  their  speculative  dreams.     We 
Ce  at  present  men  even  in  the  church  who  .  ill  believe 
ryalrdity,anythingconmctingwiththesoberre^^^^^^^ 
provided  it  is  backed  by  the  least  shallow  of  author  ^y 
coming  from  the  reputed  learned  or  wise,    ^otwith- 
sSng  all  their  acquired  knowledge,  some  will  remain 
naturaUunces  and  credulous  drivellers  t^  the  end  of 
S  days.    The  Jesuits  are  said  to  be  learned  men 
lut  lie  others  of  the  church  of  Rome,  they  still  uphold 
S^.Pop«^  authority,  telling  us  that  he  is  the  sole  vicar 
S  cS.  They  believe  in  the  virtue  of  relics,  in  prayer^ 
to  the  vUn,  in  invocation  to  saints,  in  purgatoi-y,  and 
Stionlensical  doctrine  of  transubstantiat  on.    The 
earlv  Christian  fathers  accepted   as  truth  the    pious 
XL"  ous   «toncs  of   the  most  childish  character 
eccSastical  history  being  full  of  the  most  puerile  and 


'Ufejsjrtei-irssr,-- 


;CENCE9 


OF  A  rREACUEII, 


..l«l'. 


,  progress  for  generations, 
nphantly  marching  all  over 
garb  of  Truth;  and,  at  the 
as  well  as  secular  teachers, 
ng  to  detect  the  imposition, 
ity  Assumption,  and  shout 
lecrated  trumpery,  and  anti- 

)ther  and  associate  say  when 
t  day  how  easily  I  dispersed 
ich  had  such  an  existence  in 
)t  believe  my  report.  Having 
:,  he,  like  the  host  of  sticklers 
rilling  to  abandon  it  for  stem 
himself,  he  may  be  averse  to 
ss  stuff  that  has  crowded  his 
useful  knowledge.    'T's  hard 
myths  which  are  in  a  way  so 
for  facts  which  must  uncerc- 
cied  theories  and  dissolve  the 
leir  speculative  dreams.    We 
in  the  church  who  \»  ill  believe 
nflicting  with  the  sober  reason, 
the  least  shadow  of  authority 
I  learned  or  wise.    Notwith- 
i  knowledge,  some  will  remain 
ilous  drivellers  to  the  end  of 
are  said  to  be  learned  men, 
irch  of  Rome,  they  still  uphold 
ing  us  that  he  is  the  sole  vicar 
1  the  virtue  of  relics,  ia  prayers 
on  to  saints,  in  purgatory,  and 
le  of  transubstantiation.    The 
accepted   as  truth  the    pious 
the  most  childish  character, 
ig  full  of  the  most  puerile  and 


extravagant  legends;  and  Catholics,"^ as  well  as  many 
Protestants,  still  believe  in  Constantino's  vision  of  the 
cross,  oven  wliile  certain  leading  Christians  venture  to 
doubt  the  story  of  the  sun's  standing  still,  or  of  the 
flight  of  Elijah  in  a  cJiariot  of  fire,  drawn  by  horses  of 
lire,  to  heaven.    As  has  been  shown,  there  was  a  period 
in  which  pious  eminent  men  believed  in  witches.     We 
know  that  John  Wesley  believed   in   ghosts   and   in 
liaunted  houses.    And  now,  when  able  commentators 
cast  a  doubt  on  Scriptural  records  which  tell  us  of  a 
universal  deluge,  of  the  building  of  the  tower  of  Babel, 
of  Jontih  and  the  whale,  of  Balaam  and  the  ass,  of 
Daniel  in  tlio  lion's  den,  and  of  the  numerous  dreams, 
visions,  miracles,  and  judgments,  by  which  it  is  said 
that  God  male  Siimself  known  in  those  days,  and  assert 
that ;  uch  passages  in  the  Scriptures  are  but  iuterpola- 
tions,  mistranslations,  or  misinterpretations  not  to  be 
relied  on,  unlearned  men  can  scarcely  be  blamed  for 
entertaining  doubts  on  such  subjects;  and  the  humane 
and  forgiving  hold  loftier  conceptions  of  the  Divine 
Being  when  able  preachers  at  the  present  day  tell  us 
that  the  doctrine  of  eternal  punishment  is  a  libel  on  the 
cii  iractcr  of  the  Almighty. 

1  must  have  slept  during  the  remainder  of  the  ni<rht. 
Notlung  returned  to  disturb  my  repose.  I  awoke  about 
dawn,  the  candles  were  nearly  burned  out,  and  the  fire 
was  bnt  smouldering.  The  boy  was  still  asleep,  and 
the  dog  lay  in  his  corner.  My  first  act  this  Christmas 
morning  was  to  secure  my  trophy.  I  placed  the  red  cap 
under  my  coat,  which  I  buttoned  up  carefully.  I  ehook 
ihi  boy;  he  was  very  drowsy,  and  when  he  opened  his 
ryes  he  scarcely  knew  where  he  was.  I  wanted  to  get 
away  from  Eoblin  in  good  time  so  as  to  reach  home 
before  dinner.  I  did  not,  however,  wish  to  leave  without 
taking  another  survey  of  the  whole  premises.  Accoin- 
paniefl  by  the  boy,  I  revisited  every  room.    Apparently 


r 


I 


i   I 


JQ2  KEMINI8CENCE9 

wo  mado  IM  I™,    i  "i    1  numerous 

thoolhc«,Ml>«e"^,ycr,.,U,^"lu  ^^^^^  ^^ 

stirr^rii-„^to'sr.rr 

over  the  roof,  u^iinw  tree     In  a  few 

„,u„y  Umo.  huMc»  tb^.  -  '«  -t„^„„,  „„„scr.. 
But  Ills  occupatioBmtliiM>-""'-»(  n„ 
no  would  bo  .00-  »°  -f^^Xi^raro—  «°  '"""J 

Visitors,    lie  ami  ouic  premises  known 

leut  possession  for  years  of  the  laud  anU  p  ^^^ 

as  the  old  n-^^i^S-^^^r^Sfre'cStSe  am'ount 

'^T"Lte  ptX  oSle^tHniposition  on  the 
yearly,  by  the  practice  "^  "  j  longer 

Uo.    H^yf-: -'h„    d  ™;  »  undo«taud'.>. 
in  charge  of  the  place  man  ^ 

first,  and  I  ^'^-^.}:^^''^f^^^^^^^^^^ 
persons  that  neither  he  nor  ^^^  ^i*^  ^°    j^„     probably 
another  year,  he  ^^d  »o  ^^^^^^^^^  ^  t Td^^ot  make  his 
for  good  -d  sufficient  r-^^^^^^^^^^  ,^.„„ 

rrdrut:^.otrgr^'o^Mmorhiswife. 


ICKNCES 


OF  A  rUEACIIEU. 


1G3 


n  disturbed.  The  bats  had 
nu  ia  their  hiding  places, 
.y  I  discovered  the  cause  of 
we  had  lieard  at  the  time 
•ticular  chimney,  as  well  as 
•s  the  refuge  for  a  numerous 
course,  when  the  smoke  of 
acir  retreat,  they  Hew  about 
ping  at  the  windows,  and 
rbance  which  we  had  heard 

he  hollow  tree.    In  a  few 
jy  a  path'way  to  the  bank  of 
ough  was  the  large  oak  tree 
jlionlcss  (iir'horraan  had  stood 
Quch  stouter  man  than  Harry 
hidden  inside  of  it.    He  had 
as  1  learned  he  often  had  to 
jtcu  away  curious  strangers, 
articular  line  was  nearly  gone, 
e  here  in  the  character  of  the 
wandering  around  to  terrify 
lad  in  a  manner  held  fraudu- 
[  the  land  and  premises  known 
property,  paying  no  rent,  but 
crates  a  comfortable  amount 
a  deliberate  imposition  on  the 
d    I  found,  been  much  longer 
in'he  led  me  to  understand  at 
that  though  he  had  told  many 
or  his  wife  would  remain  there 
ntention  of  leaving.    Probably 
reasons  he  did  not  make  his 
aained,  and,  his  cottage  being 
g  more  of  him  orchis  wife. 


The  landlord  at  the  inn,  though  evidently  quite  em- 
barrassed when  1  told  him  my  story,  affected  to  be 
innocent  of  any  co-operation  on  his  part  with  Gaines  or 
any  one  else  to  keep  up  the  delusion  concerning  the 
liaunted  house,  but  I  could  see  guilt  in  his  countenance. 
I  saw  that  he  was  quite  uneasy  during  my  stay,  so  after 
I  had  partaken  of  a  hearty  breakfast,  I  gave  the  boy  a 
shilling  and  a  fatherly  lecture,  and  took  ray  departure. 

In  about  a  month  from  that  time  my  friend  had  suc- 
ceeded in  getting  a  long  lease  of  the  old  meeting-house 
and  its  four  acres  of  land  on  very  favorable  terms.  Harry 
Gaines,  thoroughly  exposed,  and  probably  ashamed,  had 
to  leave  the  premises,  perhaps  to  practice  deception 
somewhere  else.  And  now,  instead  of  a  noted  ghost- 
house,  Boblin  can  boast  of  having  one  of  the  best 
conducted  private  boarding  and  day  schools  in  the 
country;  and  neither  ghost  nor  goblin  of  any  kind  has 
returned  to  claim  possession. 

Since  my  first  visit  to  that  plersant  viUagc  I  have 
been  repeatedly  thanked,  not  only  by  the  owner  of  the 
property,  but  by  others  interested  in  (he  progress  of  the 
place.  Some  of  the  newspapers  gave  an  amusing  account 
of  my  Christmas  adventure,  giving  widely  different 
statements  as  well  as  various  descriptions  of  the  red 
ccyj;  but  though  I  handed  that  article  to  our  superin- 
tendent, on  my  return,  for  his  careful  inspection,  and 
gave  him  the  most  minute  particulars  of  what  I  had 
heard  and  seen  in  and  around  the  haunted  house,  yet 
so  apparently  wedded  was  he  to  his  supernatural  theory, 
that  without  reasonable  evidence  he  still  confidently 
asserted  his  belief  in  ghosts,  and  that  sooner  or  later 
they  would — when  perhaps  conditions  were  more  favor- 
able— return  to  convince  me  and  others  of  their  reality  I 
Still  may  not  some  be  excused  for  their  credulity?  May 
not  the  term  "supernatural,"  as  it  is  ordinarily  used, 
be  an  impropriety  in  language;  for  who  can  defi  .c  the 
laws  of  Nature,  or  limit  there  possibilities? 


1 


KKM1NISCENCE3 


CHAPTER  XX.  i 

THE  REmiEVE. 

A  g.oon.y  .lawn!    The  ,i«ht  came  .^"'y^^aln  "P- 
cmnUyotnight,«nda.  ■!  tnowm  ^_^^  ^__^ 

lian  legislators.  cfni<T!zlin"  UgW  barely  suc- 

Ihad  arisen  while  the  «trugK'J""  °  ^^  all  visible, 
ceeded  in  making  0^3^^^^ -^^^.tf Sfpt  but  little,  for 
Having  retired  at  a  If^ J'"";  ,  ,  ^  t  ^e  awake, 
a  tumult  of  melan^^oly  thoughts  ha^^^  Upt  ^^  ^^^^ 

and  it  was  long  after  m.dmght  be  ore  1  ^^^^ 

into  anything  that  might  be  «;»"^^  «J  „^„  .^stless 
even  wLn  that  came,  uneasy  dreams  kept  ^^^ 

at  intervals,  so  that  on  ^^'^  ^\^1^''JZ.  particular 
^as  not  refreshing;  and  a«  I  h^^  on  t  p  ^^^^^^  ^ 
moiniingamostpainfuland  solemn  any      p.^^  ^  ^ 

felt  by  no  means  as  vigorous  m  ooay  o 
■wished  to  be.  throu-^h  a  drizzling  rain, 

I  had  nearly  a  mile  ^^  7^;^^;7;,rsons  on  my  way, 
and  early  as  it  was  I  °^^t  «f  ^;  /^  ^  ^r,  most  likely 
.ho,  perhaps  ^^;^^l^:^Zi^y^^^i^^  beds,  and 
with  many,  out  of  hheer  <^^""  /'  y,ie  spots  from 

„.aybe  their  breakfasts,  ^o^^^^^J^'^'J  .mother  legal 
which  to  witness  the  <=o^«— *;;y,  .^ecution  that 

::sreS-:-^^-^--"^^^^^^ 


e?,i^ii^J*'?>Si*s-  ^^-^ 


2ENCES 


OF  A   I'nEACIIER. 


191 


R  XX. 


KIEVE. 


It  came  slowly  again  upon 
disturb  the  lingering  sol- 
nowing  that  with  the  early 
.r  heart  should  cease  and 
1  to  gratify  the  insatiable 
le  law,-"  the  prince  of  the 
;isfy  the  Nemesis  of  Chris- 
struggling  light  barely  suc- 
.ar  or  distant  at  all  visible. 
,ur,  I  had  slept  but  little,  for 
aghts  had  kept  me  awake, 
Tht  before  I  was  able  to  fall 
be  called  sound  sleep;  and, 
tsv  dreams  kept  me  restless 
.  whole  the  rest  I  had  had 
vs  I  had  on  this  particular 
,d  solemn  duty  to  perform,  I 
rous  in  body  or  mind  as  I 

alk  through  a  drizzling  rain, 

several  persons  on  my  way, 

in,r  else  to  do,  or,  most  likely 

curiosity,  left  their  beds  and 

,  secure  favorable  spots  from 
asummation  of  another  Icga 
o  be  a  public  execution  that 
ck     Taking  but  little  notice  of 


those,  I  hurried  on  until  the  high  walls  of  the  gloomy 
prison  of  Uadmar  stood  before  me.  It  was  late  the 
previous  night  when  its  great  massive  gate  was  opeued 
to  permit  my  departure,  and  now,  after  having  given 
my  name  at  the  grating,  locks  wore  opened  and  bolts 
and  bars  again  withdrawn  to  grant  me  an  entrance. 

The  large  prison  formc<l  three  sides  of  a  quadrangular 
yard.  To  the  right  of  the  gate-way,  as  you  entered, 
was  a  large  apartment  used  by  the  prison  authorities 
for  the  reception  of  priMonors  on  their  first  arrival. 
There  was  also  counceted  witii  this  a  kind  of  otllce  in 
which  visitors  to  the  prison  were  obliged  to  register 
their  names.  Though  frequently  there  of  late,  I  had  to 
write  my  name  and  address  again,  and  now,  having 
done  this,  I  approached  tlio  fire-place,  from  which  the 
blazing  coals  sent  a  glow  of  choorfuluess  eveu  within 
tills  plain  but  stern-looking  room.  The  morning  was 
chilly,  and  while  I  stood  warming  my  hands,  another 
person  approached  evidently  for  a  similar  puipose.  lie 
was  apparently  a  stranger,  at  least  he  was  one  to  me, 
for  I  had  never  seen  him  tlierc  before.  An  expression 
of  good  nature  was  in  his  face;  ho  was  courteous  and 
polite  in  manners.  He  bowed  to  me,  and  as  he  was 
smoking  a  short  pipe,  he  said  he  hoped  the  smell  of 
tobacco  would  not  be  disagreeable  to  me. 

"  In  fact,"  said  he,  "  on  a  morning  like  this,  when 
the  weather  itself,  as  well  as  particular  circumstances, 
have  a  tendency  to  give  one  the  blues,  I  feel  some- 
way relieved  and  soothed  when  I  get  a  few  quiet 
whiffs." 

I  admitted  that  the  great  majority  of  our  countrymen, 
even  the  very  poorest,  derived  great  enjoyment  in  such 
a  practice,  and  that  though  I  did  not  use  tobacco  myself, 
if  it  made  others  more  comfortable,  or  in  any  way  dis- 
sipated care,  it  was  a  simple  remedy,  which,  though 


'■r- 


jQQ  UEMINISCENCES 

no  doubt  injurious  in  the  long  --,  keptfor  tt^^^^^^^^^ 
being   many  a   nmn    from   harassmg  and  distiactmg 

"""kit  1  know  to  be  the  case,"  he  replied;   '' I've 

..cdical  nostrums  had  proved  meltectuall 
I  told  him  I  had  witnessed  a  ease  of  the  kmd  mj 

*"*"'    t.  i-,„T.t  n(  it  "  he  said,  in  the  most  friendly 

"  I  have  no  doubt  of  xt,    he    .     ,     ^  ^^  ^^^^^^ 

way,  -  and  when  I  ^^jj^  ^^^^^  ^  .^nder  him  the 

*'^r:i''^'^^rtheesrrv  which  has  often  proved 
palliative  or  the  "^^f  ^'^  ^^^^  surprised,"  con- 
bcneOeial  to  myself.  ^«"  "f,.  fi',.  u  ,vicn  I  tell  you 
tinuedhe,loweringhisvoice  altle,     ^  .^^^ 

that  but  m.  hour  ^^^J^Z:^^^.^La. 
chap-in  fae  ,  I  may  adl  1"^^  J^  j  ^.^^^  ^^,^  ^  pipe 
ber39.    Seeing  how  sad  he  lookca  j       ,^^  .^iler, 

;     and  let  him  have  his  las    '^^\\^';^!,,,  J,  mI 
was  willing,  and-what  do  you  \^^f';i''^l^,,^^y,^ 

him,  though  »-^;;^ -;S^;;^^^ernU,  he  Led 
having  spent  a  comparative  y  s     i  ^^.^ 

away  after  a  few  minutes  aiid  we  stole      ,  o^^^^^ 

strctehed  on  his  ^X^l^TiL^o^^^--^^^'  whieh 
will  give  him  energy  to  meet  the  lon^ 

must  soon  follow."  „•„>,.,)   T  said,  "whenl 

.  »it  was  rather  late  last  mg    .     I  sau 
visited  the  same  person,  and  then    he 

''" inldl"  he  exelaimed-,    "  that's,  you^see,  Just  as  I 
Baid.    But  I'll  bet  my  life  he's  asleep  yet. 


;EXCE3 


OF  A  fllKACnEH. 


1^ 


5ng  rm,  kept  for  the  time 
harassing  and  distracting 

case,"  ho  replied;  "  I've 
juie  fatal  disorder  aslt  for  a 
hour  before  he  died;  the 
juemcd  to  have  a  soothing 
1  passed  away  as  placid  as 
y  such  a  comfort  when  all 
I  ineffectual!" 
a  case  of  the  kind  my- 

ic  said,  in  the  most  friendly 
fellow  in  trouble,  no  matter 
uity  offers  I  tender  him  the 
e  which  has  often  proved 

may  feel  surprised,"  con- 
e  a  little-,  "  when  I  tell  you 
jailer  was  visiting  the  poor 
m  my  patient— in  cell  num- 
e  looked,  I  filled  him  a  pipe 
,moke.    Mr.  May,  the  jailer, 

you  think?— before  we  left 
dained  of  want  of  sleep,  he 
cly  sleepless  night,  ho  dozed 
xnd  we  stole  off,  leaving  him 
vin'T  a  repose  which  I  trust 
eet'the  long  slumber  which 

,st  night,"   I  said,  "when  I 
and  then    ho  did  not  feel 

a-,    "that's,  you  see,  just  as  I 
he's  asleep  yet." 


"You  are  not  Dr.  Strong's  assistant?"  I  inquired. 
The  Doctor  was  tlie  physician  of  Radmar  prison.  Still 
from  th«!  dress  and  appearance  of  my  new  acquaintance, 
who  seemed,  however,  to  bo  rather  an  inlclligoiit 
person,  I  would  scarcely  have  taken  him  to  be  in  any 
way  connected  with  the  medical  faculty. 

"Ohl  not  at  all,"  he  replied,  wilh  a  quiet  smile.  In 
a  kind  of  coufldential  way  he  continued:  "  I'm  not  in 
that  line — my  line  is  quite  the  other  way,  I  am  in  a 
manner  professionally  connected  with  this  cstabliali- 
mcnt.  I  seldom  have  to  come  here  ollicially,  perhaps 
not  more  than  once  or  so  every  half  year;  but  when  I 
come,  'tis  to  give  my  patients  tlrojis  of  a  different  kind 
from  any  the  doctor  has  to  give.  lie  tries  to  prolong 
life;  my  duty  is  to  shorten  it.  I  deal  exclusively  with 
the  throat  in  this  way  " 

Here  he  pulled  from  a  capacious  side-pocket  of  his 
coat  a  rope,  and,  while  holding  the  looped  end  of  it 
near  his  neck,  he  lifted  the  other  end  above  his  head, 
as  if  to  hitch  it  to  a  beam,  and  by  this  pantomime  gave 
me  to  understand  that  I  was  iu  the  dread  presence  of — 
the  executioner. 

The  occupant  of  cell  number  39  was  still  sleeping 
when  the  jailer  turned  the  heavy  key  in  the  door.  I 
thought  it  almost  a  sin  to  disturb  him  who  was  reposing 
so  calmly.  There  was  actually  a  smile  on  his  face.  IIo 
was  perhaps  dreaming  of  homo  and  of  his  days  of  inno- 
cence. Memoi"y  may  have  led  him  hack  to  childhood, 
and  his  mother  might  have  returned  to  cheer  him  again 
with  words  of  love  and  affection.  What  a  pleasing 
reality  such  a  dream  might  have  been  to  him,  but  what 
a  dreadful  reality  must  come  with  his  waking!  I  never 
felt  so  unmanned  as  when  witnessing  this  temporaiy 
return  of  happiness,  soon,  alas!  to  be  replaced  by  the 
darkest  despair.  How  cruel  to  rob  him  of  these  golden 
moiueula  of  life  and  hope,  in  order  to  let  him  see  the 


1*1^^'  V,4-*afriS.-'?it"}i^«.*--l 


108 


nEMINiaCKNCKS 


BcaffoiaanaihcHtan.laraof  doath  fluttering  over  UJn 
the  .uorninj,'  uirl  The  avengiug  law  mu«l,  however, 
take  its  coursel  ^    ^j^^j^^ 

The  iailcr  uavo  lum,  I  tnougiu,  raiiiei 
Ilo  awoke,  tltc  smile  still  on  hi«  face,  but  in  a  moment 
iXtrawayanawas  roplacc.l  ^>y ^J^^^rZ 
Hion  which  overspread  his  ^«""^'^""  V^"'.   *^  "  ! /JJ 
not   .lismaycd.     Without    a   moments    hesitation    he 
pL  'Tom  the  bod,  fully  dressed.    xNot  a  nerve  trem-     . 
ble       lie  appeared  to  be  as  ealm  as  any  one  «>ould  bo, 
autse";ng'n;hand,he  asked  me  with  ,mek  words. 
*'  How  lourf  have  I  to  live?  " 
The  iail«  answered,  -  About  half  an  hour  or  so  ' 
"llalJan  hour!     Why,  we  have  lots  of  tune!"  he 

"nftTetsatonthe  side  of  the  bed,  and  placing  his 
hand  to  his  forehead,  said  thoughtfully,  "  Let  me  see,- 
M^     m'keepthat,"-and  he  handed  me  a  book  ou 
u  in'vLo  Forgiveness!"  which  he  had  b-n  read-g 
- "  Here  Is  your  book,"  he  coutinued.       If  the  quality 
of  mercy  and  forgiveness  is  so  necessary  ui  the  charae, 
tero  a  Divine  ifeing,  ought  it  not  to  a  cert-n  exten 
be  indispensable  to  exalt  and  perfect  the  charac  er  of 
nvin?    In  my  case  man  is   unforgivmg,  a  tyrant  m 
Tu^ority  who  seeks  to  deprive  me  of  a  Ufe  whidx  ho 
auuiuiiijr  greater  criminal  than  I 

r^.eTe:u^;^  oler«till  I  should  not.be  left  beyond 
Z  range  of  mercy.  In  my  case,  your  law  an  imperfec 
ribunaf,  has  declared  me  guilty  of  '^^  .f  ^^J  7^;,t^ 
n  ver  committed,"-[h>  had  been  convicted  o  forgery 
on  what  was  considered  by  many  very  insufflcient  evi- 
to  ]-"  and  for  this  I  am  about  to  orteit  my  life 
Go"  d  God!  now,  indeed,  I  can  tell  the  value  ont  «u 
I  am  not  afraid  to  die.  Tiie  disgrace  will  be  but  tern 
poary' or  after  I  am  gone,  though  it  be  tor  years,  be 
Lsurld  that  justice  wUl  be  done  to  my  memory." 


K.VCE8 


OF  A  riiKArnF.n. 


m 


oath  fluttering  over  it  In 
,'iu^  hiw  must,  however, 

!|ht,  rather  a  rude  shake. 
lis  face,  but  in  a  moment 
iced  i)yn  solemn  cxpres- 
ountenance.  Still  he  was 
moment's  hesitation  he 
•essed.  Not  a  nerve  treni- 
calm  as  any  one  could  bo, 
ed  me  with  quick  words, 

nit  half  an  hour  or  so." 
0  have  lots  of  timel"  he 

if  the  bed,  and  placing  his 
oughtfully,  "  Let  me  sec,— 
lie  handed  mc  a  book  on 
;h  he  had  been  reading. 
;ontlnued.    "  If  the  quality 
so  necessary  in  the  charac^ 
,  it  not  to  a  certain  extent 
,(1  perfect  the  character  of 
i   unforgiving,  a  tyrant  in 
rive  mc  of  a  life  which  ho 
a  greater  criminal  than  I 
I  should  not  be  left  beyond 
case,  your  law,  an  imperfect 
;uilty  of  an  offence  which  I 
A  been  convicted  of  forgery 
f  many  very  insufficient  evi- 
,m  about  to  forfeit  my  life, 
can  tell  the  value  of  it.    lint 
e  disgrace  will  be  but  tem- 
,  though  it  be  for  years,  be 
done  to  ray  memory." 


Springing  up,  he  exclaimed  In  a  petulant  manner, 
"This  l.i  too  bad;  but  let  us  hurry  it  over — I  am 
ready." 

,  We  were  about  to  leave  the  cell  in  order  to  enter  the 
apartment  In  which  the  executioner  stood  waiting  to 
bind  his  arms,  when  the  door  was  suddenly  pushed 
open,  and  there  stood  the  sherilT  and  a  number  of  per- 
sons in  the  liall.  AVliat  could  this  interruption  moan? 
The  sheriff  was  a  most  considerate  man,  and  would  not 
needlessly  make  his  appearance  at  such  a  lime.  There 
was,  however,  a  smile  on  his  face,  instead  of  the  serious 
expression  which  one  would  then  expect  to  see  im- 
pressed on  the  features  of  the  chief  executive  otHccr, 
and  laying  his  hand  familiarly  on  the  shoulders  of  the 
condemned  man,  said:  — 

"  My  good  lad,  I  have  brought  something  for  you  I" 

"Whatl"  exclaimed  the  person  addressed,  as  If  in 
doubt  of  tlic  meaning  of  the  words. 

"  See  here,"  continued  the  sheriff,  holding  out  a  large 
oflicial  letter,  "  I  have  but  just  received  this  document, 
and  this,"  said  he,  emphatically,  "is  the  happiest  mo- 
ment of  my  life.  Here  is  your  pardon,  and  you  are 
now — a  free  man!  IIow  wretched  I  should  feel  if  any 
accident  had  delayed  this  until  it  was  too  late  I" 

The  tears  filled  the  sheriff's  eyes  as  he  spoke.  The 
pardoned  man  stood  for  a  few  moments  looking  at  him 
with  Incredulous  surprise,  and  then,  as  If  overcome  Jjy 
a  sudden  rush  of  feeling,  he  sat  again  on  the  side  of  the 
bed,  covered  his  face  with  his  hands,  and  wept  like  a 
child.* 

The  fullest  evidence  had  been  unexpectedly  obtained 
that  he  was  completely  innocent.  Congratulations  soon 
followed.  A  number  of  friends  rushed  in  to  grasp  his 
hand  which  was  now  cold  and  trembling.  Such  a  scene  I 

*  A  true  iucldent. 


»-**«s»i- 


170 


IlKMINISCKNCKS 


Not  H  .Irv  ov«>  oonl.l  bo  H.-.n.  Tonrn  wore  the  Rcncrous 
olT.iii.«  whirl.  Ilunmnily  tl.fu  yioUha  to  Mmy.  On 
Huch  a..  ..(r.iHi..n  tlu-  in.ml  har.U'no.l  .iiuu-r  wouM  ffcl 
tin-  touch  of  luM.iU'Uc.'.  DnuM.niun  rctrihutioi.  mul  .vt.i  - 
l,„U,„  have  ma.l.'  in.-n  look  upon  the  KiLhol  with  lu.lil- 
f.T.  nee,  .U..I  Hhout  .IHlance  even  In  tlu,  prcsoco  of 
,l..>ith.  Tl.o  Hofl  wlu«i).r  of  dcnioncy  Iuih  mcltc(l  Iho 
most  Htubborn  hourt.    Would  that  there  was  more  clcm- 

enev  >»  <'"'  world! 

Throu'h  tlu^  kindness  of  some  fricndH  a  carriage  was 
in  waitini?,  an.l  in  a  ^hort  lime  I  an.l  others  who  a<-com- 
pauied  the  lil.erate.l  man,  were  bcyon.l  the  prison  walls. 
Before  we  left,  1  saw  the  executioner  talking  to  fiomo 
persons  who  had  come  to  me  him  pi-rform  his  odious 
duty.  A  look  of  disappointment  was  plainly  on  his 
face  and  it  seemed  to  me  that  he  was  not  tlic  only  ono 
we  left  behind  us  who  share.l  his  feelings,  an.l  who 
woul.1  have  preferred  to  have  had.  the  l«w  take  Us  vm. 
dietivc  course,  and  give  to  the  public  ano  her  brutal 
exhibition  of  the  taking  of  human  life  and  auother- 
"  Roman  holiday." 


CIIAPTEK  XXI. 

CAPITAL   ITMSUMKNT. 

Though  ninety-nine  men  out  of  a  hundred  should  tell 
mc  that'^thc  law  is  iustitied  in  enforcing  the  penalty  of 
death  for  certain  offences,  1  as  unhesitatingly  deny  the 
ri-'ht  of  any  body  of  men  to  legislate  to  such  an  extent 
as"  to  authorize  a  criminal  to  be  deprived  of  lite  no 
matter  how  atrocious  may  be  his  guilt.  Th.  sacrediiess 
of  human  life  has  never  yet  been  fully  reeogni/.ed  by 
legislators;  and  when  the  law  seeks  vengeance  by  capi- 
m  punishment,  some  reckless  icdividuuls,  following 


»(;enck8 


OK  A    I'ltKACIIKn. 


m 


Tt>nrH  wore  the  generous 
oil  yioUl.tl  to  Mi'icy.  On 
hardi-ni'd  MiniuT  wouM  ffol 
■oniiin  rctril)Utit)H  imil  ri'tiil- 
upoii  the  «il)l)i!l  witli  iii'lif- 
i;  even  In  (he  prcsenee  of 
'  eleuicncy  l«v«  tn^'lted  the 
d  Ihat  there  waa  more  clom- 

^olno  friends  a  earrlage  was 
no  I  aixl  othira  who  aecoiu- 
ere  beyonil  the  prison  walls, 
ixeeiilioner  talking  to  sonic 
1  Hce  liini  perform  his  odious 
ntuunt  was  plainly  on  his 
Kit  ho  was  not  the  only  ono 
hared  his  feelings,  and  who 
i,vo  had,  the  li*w  take  its  vin- 
0  the  puhlie  another  brutal 
f  human  life  and  another— 


ETl  XXI. 

I'X'NISIIMENT. 

I  out  of  a  hundred  should  tell 
I  in  enforcing  the  penalty  of 

1  as  unhesitatingly  deny  the 
to  legislate  to  such  an  exteul 
lal  to  be  deprived  of  life,  no 

be  his  guilt.  Tlu  sucreiluess 
yet  been  fully  recognized  by 
"law  seeks  vengeance  by  eapi- 
eckless  itdividuals,  foUowir.g 


the  pernicious  example,  have,  when  wrongcil  or  aggra- 
v;il('d,  (oii.^i.lcred  iheiuMclvcs  ttUo  jiistilli'd  in  taking  the 
law  into  liieir  own  hands  and  slaying  llieir  aggressor.  It 
is  only  when  one  is  forced  to  take  the  life  of  a  brutal 
assiiiluni,  ill  onler  to  save  liis  own  or  that  (tf  another, 
can  such  a  necessity  be  at  all  recognized.  Men,  it  Is 
said,  think  in  herds.  Few  will  dare  to  discountenanco 
prevailing  public  sentinu>nt  be  it  ever  so  unreasonable. 
That  sentiment  is  often  as  wavering  as  the  wind,  and 
as  frequently  wroujy  as  to  what  is  moral  or  Inunornl, 
criminal  or  innocent.  Offences  which  were  countccl 
capitai  at  onj  period,  are  now  scarcely  recognized  aa 
niisdc  ineanors,  and  nuich  of  what  was  csteenu'd  proper, 
moral,  and  religious  in  olden  times,  or  even  when  our 
grandfathers  were  lioys,  would  now  be  set  down  as 
acUial  depravity.  Jlumanity  will  be  outraged  as  long 
as  the  decision  of  Justice  is  guided  by  .lewisli  texts. 

A  few  years  ago,  that  "  sum  of  all  villaniiss,"  the 
sliive  tradi',  was  upheld  in  Kngland  as  being  n  most 
tuteriirisiiig  and  resi)ectable  calling,  and  strictly  within 
tiie  bounds  of  morality  aiul  religion.  Higiii  Reverend 
llishops  in  the  House  of  Lords,  preachers  on  public  plat- 
forms, and  popular  nu>n  of  every  degree,  defended  the 
infamous  tralHc,  and  gave  abundant  Scriptural  authority 
m  support  of  its  legality  and  practice,  and  in  the  face  of 
some  doubting  humanitarian  would  reiterate  the  texts— 
"  ]{otli  tliy  bond-men  and  thy  bond-maids  which  thou 
Shalt  have,  sluUl  be  of  llic  heathen  that  are  round  about 
you;  of  {hem  ye  shall  buy  bond-men  and  bond-maids." 
— "  Moreover  of  the  children  of  the  strangers  that  do 
sojourn  among  you,  of  them  shall  ye  buy,  and  of  their 
families  that  are  with  you,  which  they  begat  in  your 
laud:  and  they  shall  bo  your  possession."  "And  ye 
sball  take  them  as  an  inheritance  for  your  children  after 
you,  to  inherit  them  for  a  possession ;  thoy  shall  bo  your 
boud-mcn  forever." 


'i- 


ii 
■I 


,'i<»4SisStes«4».ir- 


ili. 


vm 


nEMlNlSCKNCES 


These  and  similar  passages  wore  freely  quoted  to 
silence  those  who  had  the  temerity  to  speak  or  write 
a<'ain8t  the  popular  and  mouoy-making  slave-trade- 
Reverend  gentlemen  and  pious  rich  men  throughout 
the  kingdom  were  slave  owners,  and  accumulated  va^t 
wealth  by  the  seizure  and  sale  of  helpless  men,  women, 
and  children,  and  when  a  text  in  contradiction  to  texts 
favoring  the  infamous  traffic  was  given,  such  as,  "  Ho 
that  stealeth  a  man  and  selleth  him,  or  if  he  be  found 
in  his  hand,  he  shall  surely  be  put  to  death,"-when  a 
text  of  this  kind  was  hurled  by  men  of  humanity  at  men 
stealers,  the  clergy  and  the  commentators  easUy  ex- 
plained it  away.        .  ,    „  ,,  ■, 
The  "reat  revivalist,the  Bev.  George  Whitfield,  owned 
slaves,  and  wrote  in  his  journal-"  Blessed  be  God  foi 
the  increase  of  the  negroes— I  am  determined  to  takt 
no  more  orphans  into  the  orphan  house  tUl  I  can  bu] 
more  negroes." 

The  Rev.  John  Newton,  another  great  evangelica 

preacher,  once  commanded  a  slave  ship,  and  traded  ii 

slaves  on  the  coast  of  Africa,  and  he  wrote  — "N 

emplovment  ever  afforded  greater  advantages   to  ai 

awakened  mind  than  the  command  of  a  slave  ship;' 

and  while  engaged  in  this  horrible  business  he  said  tha 

he  •'  experienced  sweeter  and  more  frequent  hours  c 

Divine  communion  than  he  had  ever  elsewhere  known. 

He  had  also  beer  the  overseer  of  a  slave  barracoon  o 

the  Gold  Coast,  and  subsequently  a  partner  in  a  slav( 

dealing  firm.    What  consternation  now  would  folio 

were  some  great  evangelical  preacher  at  the  presei 

time  to  express  such  sentiments!   Here  it  will  beadmi 

ted  that  there  were  two  very  eminent  Christian  mini 

ters,  who,  like  others  of  their  class,  upheld  the  sla^ 

trade  during  their  lives,  and  saw  nothing  immoral 

what  is  now  asserted  to  be  infamous. 

After  the  Reformation,  Chiistian  ministers,  iucludii 


IINISCENCES 


OF  A  PREACIIEn. 


173 


assages  wore  freely  quoted  to 
the  temerity  to  speak  or  write 
d  mouoy-making  slave-trade.— 
id  pious  rich  men  throughout 
I  owners,  and  accumulated  vant 
id  sale  of  helpless  men,  women, 
a  text  in  contradiction  to  texts 
traffic  was  given,  such  as,  "Ho 
id  selleth  him,  or  if  he  be  found 
rely  be  put  to  death,"— when  a 
irled  by  men  of  humanity  at  men 
d  the  commentators  easily  ex- 

;he  Bev.  George  Whitfield,  owned 
is  journal—"  Blessed  be  God  for 
sgroes— I  am  determined  to  lake 
the  orphan  house  till  I  can  buy 

iVton,  another  great  evangelical 
,nded  a  slave  ship,  and  traded  in 
»f  Africa,  and  he  wrote  — "No 
)rded  greater  advantages   to  an 
the  command  of  a  slave  ship;" 
this  horrible  business  he  said  that 
eter  and  more  frequent  hours  of 
m  he  had  ever  elsewhere  known." 
overseer  of  a  slave  barracoon  on 
subsequently  a  partner  in  a  slave- 
consternation  now  would  follow 
.ngelical  preacher  at  the  present 
lentimentsl   Here  it  will  be' admit- 
vo  very  eminent  Christian  minis- 
•s  of  their  class,  upheld  the  slave 
ves,  and  saw  nothing  immoral  in 
to  be  infamous. 
Lion,  Chiiatian  ministers,  including 


many  of  the  leading  Protestant  reformers,  saw  nothing 
immoral  in  joining  in  certain  "lawful  sports"  after 
church  time  on  the  Sabbath  day,  such  as  "  dancing, 
archciy,  leaping,  vaulting.  May -games  Whilsunales, 
Morricc-dances,  and  the  setting  up  of  May -poles." 
Some  years  .later  an  agitation  was  got  up  against  the  so- 
called  "  lawful  games,"  and  such  "  pastime  and  recrea- 
tion" were  pronounced  by  Puritans  and  other  strict 
observero  of  the  Jewish  law,  "  desecrations  of  the  Sab- 
bath, and  highly  sinful  and  immoral."    A  majority  of 
Protestant  muusters  are  still  of  this  opinion,  and  are 
"till  making  ^,trcnuous  but  evidently  ineffectual  efforts 
to  prevent  Sunday  excursions,  and  the  opening  to  the 
public  of  libraries,  museums,  and  art  galleries  on  the 
Sabbath;  while  the  clergy  of  the  Church  of  Rome,  almost 
as  an  entire  body,  see  no  impropriety  in  such  recreation 
or  indulgence,  or  even  in  the  prohibited  "lawful  games." 
In  Old  Testament  times  most  of  the  patriarchs  were 
polygamists,  and  polygamy  was  not  ihen  counted  an 
immor-ility;  and  we  read  that  the  "  people  of  God  "  in 
those  remote  days  had  the  sanction— some  tell  us  it  was 
but  the  "  connivance  "—of  the  Almighty  for  such  indul- 
gence, and  for  acts  of  blood-shedding  and  barbarity, 
which  would  now  be  pronounced  brutal  and  criminal  in 
the  greatest  degree.    How  widely  different  is  public 
senLiment  on  subjects  at  the  present  period  I     The  fact 
is,  conventionalism,  social    rules   and  customs,  have 
perhaps  done  as  much  to  establish  certain  codes  of  mo- 
rality as  wc  find  regulated  by  the  authority  of  any 
particular  standard.    Though  the  decrees  in  the  Old 
Testament  made  certain  offences  punishable  with  death, 
yet  notwithstanding  our  severe  Orthodoxy  we  are  not 
governed  by  such  edicts,  they  being  considered  at  this 
distance  of  time  repulsive  to  the  humanity  of  the  age, 
and  fearfully  vindictive  and  implacable.    We  read  that 
by  a  Divine  ordinance,  "  Thoaoever  doeth  any  work  on 


iiii:'"' 


174 


BEMINISCKyCES 


the  Sabbath  day,  he  shall  surely  be  put  to  death.         He 
that  blasphemcth  the  luuue  of  the  Lord,  he  shall  surely 
be  put  to  death."    He  that   ■  -sed  wiUiout  the  camp 
was  ordered  to  be  put  to  death.    Death  was  the  penalty 
for  cursing  a  father  or  a  mother.    A  witch  was  to  be 
put  to  death;  and  the  same  fearful  penalty  was  exacted 
for  other  offences  which  would  now  be  scarcely  deemed 
criminal.    It  would  be  simply  i.  xpossiblc  in  this  more 
enli.'htened  age  to  enforce  decrees  so  barbarous  and 
inhuman.   Even  Dr.  Clarke,  the  commentator,  who  had 
so  hi<»h  a  veneration  for  Scriptural  authority,  ventures 
to  make  the  following  remarks  on  this  subject:-"  Ac 
punishments  should  be  ever  proportioned  to  crimes,  so 
the  hi.4icst  punishment,  due  to  the  highest  crime,  should 
not  bc'inflictcd  for  a  minor  offence-then  the  infliction 
of  this  punishment  (death)  for  any  minor  offence  is 
iniuslice  and  cruelty,  and  serves  only  to  confound  the 
claims  of  justice,  and  to  render  the  profligate  desperate. 

Those  who  would  now  abolish  the  deatii  penalty  as 
conflicting  with  the  most  advaixced  views  ot  benevolence 
and  humanity,  and  as  being  an  unjustiliuble  act  of  vin- 
dictive  cruelty  engendering  brutality  in  the  minds  of 
others,  are  triumphantly  pointed  to  the  texts  which  say 
"  Whoso  sheddcth  man's  blood,  by  man  shall  Ins  blood 
be  shed  "—"He  that  smltcth  a  man,  so  that  he  die, 
shall  surely  be  put  to  death."-"  He  that  killeth  a  man, 
snail  surely  be  put  to  death."    The  advocates  for  the 
continuation  of  the  death  penalty,  quote  these  as  au- 
thority for  law-makers  to  deprive  a  culprit  of  life;  yet 
these  advocates  must  not  overlook  the  fact  that  there  is 
another  text,  even  one  of  the  commandments,  which 
forbids  the  taking  of  life:-"  Thou  shalt  not  kill;"  nor 
must  they  forget  that  Cain,  the  first  murderer,  was 
exempted  by  the  Almighty  from  such  a  penalty.    Al- 
though the  Lord  told  him  that,   "  The  voice  oi  thy 
brother's  blood  crieth  unto  me  from  the  ground,     yet 


CKyCES 

ily  be  put  to  death."  "Ho 
E  the  Lord,  he  shall  surely 
I  '  — sed  without  the  camp 
h.  Death  was  the  penalty 
her.  A  witch  was  to  be 
earful  penalty  was  exacted 
Id  now  be  scarcely  deemed 
ply  i,  \pos8iblc  in  this  more 

decrees  so  barbarous  and 
the  commentator,  who  had 
•iptural  authority,  ventures 
ks  on  this  subject:— "Ac 

proportioned  to  crimes,  so 
to  the  highest  crime,  should 
offence— then  the  infliction 

for  any  minor  offence  is 
;rves  only  to  confound  the 
cr  the  profligate  desperate." 
olish  the  death  penalty  as 
■anced  views  ot  benevolence 

an  unjustiiiable  act  of  vin- 

brutality  in  the  minds  of 
iuted  to  the  texts  which  say 
Qod,  by  man  shall  his  blood 
teth  a  man,  so  that  he  die, 
."_"  He  that  killeth  a  man, 
th."    The  advocates  for  the 

penalty,  quote  these  as  au- 
eprive  a  culprit  of  life;  yet 
/erlook  the  fact  that  there  is 

the  commandments,  which 
-"  Thou  Shalt  not  kill;"  nor 
lin,  the  first  murderer,  was 
'  from  such  a  penalty.  Al- 
u  that,  "  The  voice  of  thy 
0  me  from  the  ground,"  yet 


OK  A  rni:A(  iii;k. 


175 


bo  was  permitted  lo  live  as  "  a  fugitive  an.'  a  vagabond 
ill  the  ciirth;"  ami,  ..vni  d.'.sjrous  ot  protecting  him,  the 
Lord  furlli-rmoru  siud-"  Therefore  whosoever  slayeth 
Cain,  vengeance  shall  be  taken  on  liim  seven   fold." 
K'ing  David  was  virtually  the   munlerer  of  Uriah,  yet 
the  crime  was,  it  may  be  said,  in  a  manner  overlooked. 
Those  who  contend  that  tlie  law  is  just  and  proper 
which  would  diroct  a  man's  life  to  be  taken  for  the  com- 
mission of  certain  grave  otfences,  must  also  renieml)er 
that  life   was    taken,  as   has   been   shown,  for  minor 
olfences,  or  for  crimes  which  none   but  savages  would 
now  attempt  to  punish  with  death.     No  crime"  is  worth 
a  death.    lie  who  wantonly  and  deliberately  takes  the 
life  of  another,  should  of  course  be  severely  punished- 
he  should  be  compelled  to  labor  for  the  benellt  of  those 
whom  he  has  deprived  of  a  protector  and  provider,  or 
for  the  benefit  of  the  community.     Apart  from  other 
considerations,  it  is  shocking  to  learn  (hat  many  inno- 
cent lives  have  been  taken  and  arc  still  taken  under 
(lie  authority  of  law;  and,  while  our  present  enactments    . 
arc  in  force,  such  deplorable  and  irremediable  occurr- 
ences may  take  place  again  and  again.  After  an  apparent 
lair  trial,  and  upon  what  may  be  accepted  as  the  clearest 
evidence,  conviction  may  follow,  and  when  too  late  it 
may  be  discovered  that  some  guiltless  creature  has  been 
sacnhced.    If  for  no  higher  motive  would  it  not  be 
better,  as  a  matter  of  humane  precaution,  that  the  death 
sentence  of  ninety-nine  criminals  should  be  commuted, 
rather  than  that  the  possibility  should  exist  of  having 
an  innocent  man  executed? 

Th3  holocausts  which  have  followed  national  and 
religious  disputes  can  never  be  correctly  enumerated 
and  described.  IJlood  needlessly  shed  has  fertilized 
the  earth  in  every  quarter  of  (he  world.  Until  but  a 
lew  years  past,  great  crimes  and  petty  crimes  alike  were 
expiated  by  death.    Death  for  political  offences,  many 


«•«  REMINISCENCES  , 

Of  Which  were  far  from  being  treasonable;  death  for 
heteSxy,  death  for  non-conf onnity  •  de^ah^^^^^^^^ 

inmetedfornumerous oa^^^^^^^^  -^-  -^-* 

Ts  :rer"crS  ''  Tas  extended,  it  was  generally  ou 
vttn  of  forfeUin.^  an  eye  or  a  limb,  and  the  result 
T^l.tn^^^:^^^^^  fearfully  mutilated  and  des- 
titX  cr  aTures^^  seen  crawling,  or  hobbling,  and 
wiraion.^  .he  public  highways  as  a  terror  to  evil 
Srand  as  dread' xamples  of  the  retributive  justice 
of  a  Christian  nation 

About  two  hundred  years  ago  there  were,  we  learn 
m^e  than  two  hundred  and  fifty  crimes  or  offerees  for 
whLh  punishment  of  death  was  inflicted  m  England 
ThtmLnlawinflicteddeathoneveryfel^^^^^^ 
not  read     When  we  find  so  many  of  the  Bntish  peas 
^n  ry  who,at  the  present  day,  cannot  read,  or  can  hardly 
?ell  on!  le  ter  from  ano-her,  we  may  be  able  to  form  an 
oninlon  of  how  sangmnary  the  law  must  have  been  at  a 
Sd  when  English  laborers  were  much  more  ignorant 
than  they  are  c^en  at  present.    The  advocates  for  the 
Ibolitionof  capital  punishment  are,  however  still  met 
wthtCreplylhattL  u  weight  of  authority  "  isyetm 
7avor  of  the  death  penalty,  but  those  who  make  tins 
eply  ought  notto  forget  that  there  was  a  time,  scarcely 
mS  than  a  hundred  years  ago,  when  a  greater  'weight 
rauthority  "-the  inhuman  fiat  of  rulers,  legisMors, 
f J^fdJes-was  in  favor  of  extirpating,  after  the  fashion 
o?thr  most  vindictive  barbarians,  almost  every  offender. 
'''ll\Z  story  of  "  llobert  Ainslei^b-'-"  get  a  deserip^ 
Hon  of  »  ^  Lo^Juu  oireet  Scene  lu  1*58.      It  says. 
*' I  inquired  of  a  neighbor  where  all  these  people  are 

going?  '  I  ^upp«^<^  '^'y  ^''  ^'^°  ''  '"'  '^" 


§-■  ' ...     .ijsm , 


SNCES  -,""-    ,^i,.,P 

I  tieaaonablc;  death  for 
iormity,  death  f or  f org- 
dcalh  for  burglary,  for 
th  for  horse-stealing,  and 
lamc  dread  penalty  was 
cnces  now  hardly  counted 
conian  limes,  when  what 
inded,  it  was  generally  on 

or  a  limb,  and  the  result 
arfuUy  mutilated  and  des- 
rawling,  or  hobbling,  and 
liways  as  a  terror  to  evil 

of  the  retributive  justice 

ugo  there  were,  we  learn, 
ifty  crimes  or  ofEonces  for 

was  inflicted  in  England, 
th  on  every  felon  who  could 
.  many  of  the  British  pcas- 
,  cannot  read,  or  can  hardly 
we  may  be  able  to  form  an 
le  law  must  have  been  at  a 
3  were  much  more  ignorant 
;nt.  The  advocates  for  the 
lent  are,  however,  still  met 
ight  of  authority  "  is  yet  in 

but  those  who  make  this 
It  there  was  a  time,  scarcely 
igo,  when  a  greater  "weight 
I  flat  of  rulers,  legislators, 
jxtirpating,  after  the  fashion 
rians,  almost  every  offender. 
Linsleisrh."  "'°  get  a  descrip- 
Scene  in  1758."  It  says:— 
where  all  these  people  are 
B  going  to  see  the  execution 


OF  A  PREACH  En. 


177 


to-morrow,'    he    answered   civilly.     'An   execution?' 
les,  three  brothers-more   lads,  who  arc  to  be  hun^ 
to-morrow.'    '  And  it  is  now  six  in  the  evening     Do 
you  mean  to  tell  me  that  this  rabble  will  wait  fo°  four- 
teen hours,  standing  in  an  open  street,  for  tlie  brief 
delight  of  seeing  throe  of  their  fellow-creatures  hun-? ' 
Not  only  this  rabble,  Sir,  but  the  finest  goutlemen°in 
the  town.    There  is  not  a  window  within  view  of  the 
gallows  where  you  will    not  see  bloods  drinkin-  and 
gaming.     'Tis  said  that  Mr.  Itelwyn,  the  wit,  has  a  suit 
ot  black  on  purpose  for  executions  I'    '  And  pray  Sir 
what  is  the  crime  of  these  unfortunates?    Is  it  murder' 
arson,  or  forgery,  for  which  they  are  to  suffer? '     '  No 
Sir,  the  lads  are  somewhat  to  be  commiserated.    Their 
sole  offence  is  the  appropriation  of  three  oak  saplin-s 
wh.ch  they  severally  cut  and  converted  into  walkin<r. 
sticks  while  enjoying  a  ramble  in  a  copse  at  Edgware. 
Ihe   law  for   the  protection  of  timber  is  somewhat 
stringent.'  " 

An  execution  at  the  present  day  for  such  an  offence 
would  be  shocking  to  all  but  the  veriest  barbarians,  and 
It  IS  significant  to  learn  that  in  a  case  where  a  person 
was  charged  with  one  of  the  greatest  offences  known 
to  the  law,  a  British  Judge  could  take  into  account  the 
cruel  provocation  given  to  the  prisoner,  and  interfere 
m  a  humane  but  most  extraordinary  manner  with  the 
course  of  justice  generally  pursued.  A  case  of  this 
kind  has  been  lately  reported  and  published  in  the 
newspapers  as  follows :  — 

"A  SCENE  AT  THE  CHESTER  ASSIZES. 
"An  occurrence  perhaps  without  a  parallel,  was  wit- 
nessed at  the  close  of  the  Assizes  at  Chester.  (En.rland  ) 
of  which  the  following  account  is  given  in  a  local  paper- 
Mary  Lancaster,  33,  was  indicted  for  ilic  manslaughter 
of  her  husband,  John  Lancaster,  at  Birkenhead.  The 
deceased  had  -.r    -.d  the  prisoner  a  wretched  life,  and 


■^mmm:: 


m 


KEMINI8CENCE8 


i 


on  the  13th  of  September  he  came  homo  drunk  and 
kick'-d  over  the  meat  which  she  was  preparing  for  his 
dinner.    lie  then  thrashed  her,  and  in  a  passion  the 
prisoner  threw  at  him  a  sharpening  steel  and  caused 
his  death.    The  prisoner  was  a  hard-working  woman, 
and  in  spite  of  her  husband's  brutal  treatment  of  her 
had  done  her  very  best  to  make  his  home  comfortable. 
The  jury  found  the  prisoner  guilty.    Mr.  Justice  Brett, 
addressing  the  prisoner,  then  said:     'I  believe  if   I 
thou-'ht  it  right  to  act  according  to  your  own  feelings, 
I  sho°uld  say  nothing  of  this  unhappy  husband  of  yours. 
As  far  as  1  can  see,  you  were  a  respectable,  hard-work- 
in-,  well-behaved   wife,  and  I  feel   bound   to  say  a 
greater  brute  than  your  husband  was  I  have  seldom 
heard  of.    There  are  circumstances  in  the  depositions 
even  worse  than  those  which  have  been  brought  for- 
ward.   They  show  that,  even  on  the  very  last  day  you 
were  together,  you  were  doing  all  you  could  to  make 
his  home  comfortable  and  to  make  him  happy.    V,  lUi 
a  brutality  which  made  me  shudder  when  I  read  it,  he 
cast  away  that  which  you  had  prepared  for  hira.    He 
has  been  beating  and  ill-treating  you  for  months,  prob- 
ably for  years,  and  it  is  nothing  but  the  tenderness  and 
forcrivcness  of  the  woman  and  wife  which  prevented 
YOU  from  having  him  punished  for  crimes  he  committed 
a-ainstyou  time  after  time.    It  is  only  when  he  yd 
driven  you  to  desperation  by  ill-treating  you  again  t*at 
vou,in  a  moment  of  passion,  took  up  aweapoH'and 
Ihrew  it  at  him,  I  believe,  without  the  i^^teWon  of 
8trikin<r  him.    It  did  strike  him,  and  you  imrafediately 
ranfor°a8si8tance,anddid  all  you  could  to/^ave  h™- 
All  the  real  right  to'this  case  was  on  yof  /W<^-f  ^  ^^ 
real  wrong  on  your  husband's;    and  God  forbid  that  I 
should  punish  you!     I  wUl  be  no  party  to  it     1  will  not 
make  this  iudgment  complete.    I  will  not  al  ow  it  to  be 
said  by  anybody  that  you  arc  a  convicted  felon-[hc^.. 


■lfiff»Bw:»l«*««««»T*^fl>«««^^ 


;CES 

came  homo  drunk  and 

was  preparing  for  his 
•,  and  in  a  passion  the 
ening  steel  and  caused 
I  hard-working  woman, 
brutal  treatment  of  her 

his  home  comfortable, 
illy.    Mr.  Justice  Brett, 

said:  'I  believe  if  I 
5  to  your  own  feelings, 
lappy  husband  of  yours. 

respectable,  hard-work- 
I  feel  bound  to  say  a 
and  was  I  have  seldom 
mces  in  the  depositions 
have  been  brought  for- 
ou  the  very  last  day  you 

all  you  could  to  make 
make  him  happv-  ^'"^^^^ 
dder  when  I  read  it,  he 

prepared  for  him.    He 
ig  you  for  months,  prob- 
er but  the  tenderness  and 
ul  wife  which  prevented 
I  for  crimes  he  committed 
It  is  only  when  he  h^d 
11-treating  you  again,  t*at 
[1,  took  up  a  weapcnr  and 
without  the  intentfon  of 
im,  and  you  immediately 
1  you  could  to/feavc  him. 
was  on  your  side — all  the 
;    and  God  forbid  that  I 
:  no  party  to  it.    1  will  not 
I  will  not  allow  it  to  be 

a  convicted  felon— [he a.. 


OF  A  rilEACUEB. 


179 


hear!  ]-for  a  conviction  is  not  complete  until  a  scnionco 
18  passed,  and  I  mean  to  pass  no  sentence  at  all.  [Loud 
cheering,  which  for  some  lime  the  ofHcials  of  the  (^itrt 
vainly  endeavored  to  suppress.]  I  shall  merely  ask  you 
to  enter  into  your  own  recognizance  to  come  up  for 
judgment  if  called  upon,  and  nobody  in  the  world  will 
ever  call  upon  you— God  forbid  Ihey  ever  should  I'— 
[Rencweed  cheering,  during  which  the  prisoner  left 
the  dock.]" 

The  distinguished  John  Bright,  member  of  the  British 
Parliament,  and  lately  one  of  the  Imperial  Ministers  of 
the  Crown,  in  a  letter  to  an  American  friend  on  the 
subject  of  capital  punishment,  wrote:— 

"JOHN  BRIGHT  ON  CAPITAL  PUNISHMENT, 
■""l.do  not  think  the  punishment  of  death  is  necessary 
to  the  security  and  well-being  of  society;  and  I  believe 
Its  total  abolition  would    not  tend  to  increase  those 
crimes  which  it  is  now  supposed  by  many  to  prevent 
The  security  and  well-being  of  society  do  not  depend 
upon  the  severity  of  punishments.    Barbarism  in  the 
aw  promotes  barbarism  among  those  subject  to  the 
law;  and  acts  of  cruelty  under  the  law  become  exam- 
ples of  similar  acts  done  contrarv  to  law.    The  real 
security  for  human  life  is  to  be  found  in  a  reverence  for 
It.    If  the  law  regarded  it  as  inviolable,  then  the  people 
would  begin  also  so  to  regard  it.    A  deep  reverence  for 
human  life  is  worth  more  than  a  thousand  executions 
in  the  prevention  of  murder,  and  is,  in  fact,  the  -rcat 
security  for  human  life.    The  law  of  capital  punish- 
ment, while  pretending  to  support  this  reverence,  does 
in  fact,  tend  to  destroy  it.    If  the  death  penalty  is  of 
any  force  m  any  case  to  deter  from  crime,  it  is  rf  much 
more  force  in  lessening  our  chief  securitv  agamst  it, 
for  it  proclaims  the  fact  that  Kings,  Parliament,  Judges 
and  Juries,  may  determine  when  and  how  men  may  be 


iVi»'«J*iS2«l.=*-l'' 


180 


KKMINIStKNCES^ 


put  to  death  by  violence,  and  faraiiiaiily  with  this  idea 
cannot  strengthen  tlio  revereneo  for  human  life.  To 
put  men  to  death  for  crimes,  civil  or  political,  is  to  give 
proof  of  weaknesa  rather  than  strength,  and  of  barbar- 
ism rather  than  Christian  civilization.  If  the  United 
States  could  get  rid  of  the  gallows.  It  would  not  stand 
long  here.  One  by  one  we  '  Americanize  '  our  institu- 
tions, and  I  hope,  in  all  that  is  good,  we  may  not  be 
unwilling  to  follow  you." 

And  to  Prof.  Newman  and  others  who  wrote  to  him 
on  the  same  subject,  he  replied: — 

"  '  I  beg  to  thank  you  for  sending  me  your  article  on 
death  punishments.    I  take  your  view  on  this  subject. 
I  believe  with   a  differeut  mode  of  punishment  we 
should  have  fewer  murders,  and  therefore  life  would  be 
more  secure.    I  have  from  time  to  time  read  all  that 
has  been  urged  on  both  sides  of  this  question,  and  am 
convinced  that  those  who  arc  against  capital  punish- 
ment outreason  their  opponents.     1  understand  that  a 
bi'l  is  to  be  brought  into  the  House  in  the  course  of  the 
next  session  for  the  abolition  of  the  death  penalty. 
Sliould  that  be  the  case,  1  shall  have  pleasure  in  voting 
for  it,  as  I  have  done  on  former  occasions.'    In  the 
second  letter  Mr.  Bright,  expresses   a  wish  that  the 
public  attention  should  be  roused  on  the  question.    '  I 
believe,' he  goes  on  to  say,  'Mr.  J.  W.  Pease,  M.  P. 
for  South  Durham,  will  bring  the  subject  before  Parlia- 
ment during  the  coming  session.    As  for  my  views  upon 
it,  I  have  always  condemned  our  law  in  regard  to  it  as 
un-Christian  and   unphilosophical,  and    have   spoken 
upon  it,  in  that  sense,  in  the  House  of  Commons.    If 
you  can  turn  to  the  second  volume  of  my  published 
speeches,  you  wHl  find,  under  date  of  May  3, 1804,  what 
I  said  on  capital  punishment  in  one  of  the  debates  on 
Mr.  Ewart's  motion  for  their  abolition.    I  wish  our  pro- 


■*\ 


iraiiiaiily  with  this  idea 
;o  for  huraau  life.  To 
il  or  political,  is  to  give 
Lrength,  and  of  barbar- 
ization.  If  the  United 
lows,  it  would  not  stand 
iiericanizc '  our  institu- 
is  good,  we  may  not  be 


(tliors  who  wrote  to  him 

iling  me  your  article  on 
ir  view  on  this  subject, 
ode  of  punishment  wo 
I  tlicrcfore  life  would  be 
10  to  time  read  all  that 
f  this  question,  and  am 
against  capital  punish- 
ts.    1  understand  that  a 
)U8C  in  the  course  of  the 
1  of  the  death  penalty, 
have  pleasure  in  voting 
•mer  occasions.'    In  the 
resses   a  wish  that  the 
ed  on  the  question.    '  I 
Mr.  J.  W.  Pease,  M.  P. 
he  subject  before  Parlia- 
1.    As  for  my  views  upon 
lur  law  in  regard  to  it  as 
deal,  and    have   spoken 
House  of  Commons.    If 
'olumc  of  my  published 
late  of  May  3, 18G4,  what 
1  one  of  the  debates  on 
bolition.    I  wish  our  pro- 


OF   A   rnKACTfER. 


181 


fpssed  Christian  writers  were  as  Christian  as  you  are 
on  (his  sad  subject.  The  hangings  of  the  past  few 
weeks  have  been  shocking  to  me,  and  I  marvel  at  the 
insensibility  of  my  countrymen.'  " 

How  many  of  those  iu  authority  have  been  deaf  to 
entreaties  for  clemency,  and  have  failed  to  exereiso 
their    prerogative  of   mercy  by  "seasoning  justice." 
Monarchs  and  Governors  have  been  too  often  monstera 
of  cruelty.    It  is  said  that  during  thirty-eight  years  of 
the  reign  of  that  pious  and  exemplary  Defender  of  the 
Faith,  King  Henry  VIII.,  72,000  executions  took  pla^e 
in  England  for  crimes  less  than  murder,  and,  when 
those  for  that  offence  were  added,  the  average  during 
his  reign  was  six  executions  a  day,  Sunday  included. 
From  statistical  information  we  also  learn  that  between 
the  years  from  1820  to  1830,  797  criminals  were  executed 
in  i:ngland  alone;  and  that  during  the  last  fifty  years 
14G1  persons  have  been  executed  in  Prance.    It  is  im- 
possible to  tell  how  many  of  these  unfortunates  were 
undeserving  of  death,  or  how  many  of  them  perished 
even  while  being  innocent.    Howard  in  his  day  did  a 
vast  and  blessed  work  of  philanthropy  in  mitigating  the 
condition  of  prisoners  of  every  degree.  He  secured  more 
humane  treatment  for  the  condemned,  and  obtained 
pardon  for  many  who  had  been  unjustly  accused.    Not 
only  were  the  places  of  confinement  in  England  visited, 
but  his  benevolent  intentions  obtained  for  him  permis- 
sion to  enter  and  inspect  prisons  in  most  of  the  principal 
countries  of  Europe,  and  he  did  much  for  the  alleviation 
of  convicts  who  had  scarcely  another  friend.    Other 
Howards  are  still  required.    Though  prisons  have  been 
made  more  habitable,  and  their  rules  and  regulations 
much  improved,  there  is  however  reason  to  believe  that 
in  many  places  those  who  have  control  of  prisons  and 
penitentiaries  are  not  sufficiently  considerate  for  the 
wants  of  those  in  their  custody;   even  cases  of  great 


\-  -'i 


182 


UKMINIHCKNCKS 


cruelty  towardH  priaoners  aro  occaMionally  made  public. 
Tho  lash,  even  ill  (iroal  nritaiii,  ii*  ^til!  n-Horlod  to  an 
the  moat  ffffclual  i>iiiii«iiimiil  lor  i;oitaiii  crimes.  Its 
use  wc  learn  has  Ijcuu  abolished  in  the  army  and  in  tho 
riavy.  Martini  18  wcic  ever  ready  to  inlliel  this  dej,'rad- 
ins  chastisement  for  even  slii^ht  olTences,  until  i)ui)lic 
feeling  was  aroused  against  lla;,'ellation.  The  lash  is 
Btill  used  in  sonu;  oi:  Ihe  States  of  tiie  American  Union, 
and  in  other  countries  for  petty  felonies,  and  oven  for 
minor  offences.  The  advocates  for  this  l)arl)arous  pun- 
ishment will  say,  "  Tut  yourself  in  the  place  of  the 
person  who  has  been  injured,  or  whose  wife  or  daughter 
has  been  insulted,  and  see  what  your  nuxle  of  revenge 
would  be."  We  all  know  that  if  injured  persons  were 
allowed  to  take  their  own  revenge,  shocking  atrocities 
would  be  committed.  The  law  therefore  dictates  what 
the  punishment  as  well  as  the  deterrent  shall  be. 

In  former  times,  when  the  offence  was  not  suttlcienty 
grave  to  allow  the  taking  of  life,  it  was  often  adjudged 
that  the  culprit  should  lose  an. eye,  an  eai-,  a  nose,  an 
arm,  or  a  leg.  Barbarous  mutilation  was  tlien  thought 
to  be  the  proper  punishment  and  preventative.  As  a 
preventative  such  infliction  would  even  to-day  act  as  a 
greater  deterrent  to  low  sensual  crimes  than  the  lash 
itself;  but  again  public  feeling  would  properly  revolt 
against  such  cruelty.  Flagellation  as  punishmeiit  is 
simply  brutality;  it  degrades  and  hardens  the  criminal, 
ami  too  often  makes  him  reckless  and  desperate  in  his 
subsequent  revenge  on  the  community;  it  gives  a  shock 
to  the  humane  and  liner  feelings  of  our  nature,  vitiating 
public  sentiment,  and,  after  all,  it  is  not  more  etficacious 
than  would  be  the  daily  piihlic  exposure,  for  a  certain 
time,  of  the  offender,  in  the  pillory  or  the  stocks  as  well 
as  exposures  at  hard  labor.  It  is  believed  that  certain 
criminals  would  prefer  even  the  lash  in  private,  to  daily 
public  exposure  before  all.     While  in  conhnement,  the 


-■5WW«E.»«f.'©!WW?Jp 


KNfKS 


OK  A    rKKACItKlt. 


183 


occasionally  tniuln  public. 
ill,  is  rtlill  ri'sorloil   to  nn 

for  curtiiiii  crimes.  Its 
'd  in  tlu^  iirmy  iind  in  the 
lady  to  indict  this  duj,'iad- 
iuUt  olTcnccM,  until  puJjlic 

tla^'clliition.    The  lash  la 
i  of  tlio  American  Union, 
Ity  felonies,  and  oven  for 
I'S  for  this  havliarous  puu- 
Helf  in   the   place  of  the 
or  whose  wife  or  daughter 
at  your  nuxle  of  revenge 
,t  if  injured  persons  were 
euge,  shocking   atrocities 
IV  therefore  dictates  what 
!  deterrent  shall  he. 
offence  was  not  suttlcienty 
ife,  it  was  often  adjudged 
n.eye,  an  eai-,  a  nose,  an 
tilation  was  then  thought 
t  and  preventative.    As  a 
ould  even  to-day  act  as  a 
isual  crimes  than  the  lash 
ing  would  properly  revolt 
nation   as  punishment  is 
and  hardens  the  criminal, 
iklcsH  and  desperate  in  his 
mmunity;  it  gives  a  shock 
ngs  of  our  nature,  vitiating 
1,  it  is  not  more  ctficacious 
lie  exposure,  for  a  certain 
lillory  or  the  stocks  as  well 
It  is  helievcd  that  certain 
he  lash  in  private,  to  daily 
While  in  conhnemeut,  the 


moanoRt  prisoner  should  be  induced  to  improve  his 
mind  in  order  to  <'(>rre<l  moral  ohiiiiuitifi,,  and  only 
low  hut  Hudicient  diet  should  \w  tiie  [)rison  allowance. 
As  a  punisliinent,  and  as  a  i)reventative,  jiuhlir  i.qwmire 
would  be  in  every  way  as  ellective  as  the  lash,  and 
certainly  more  in  aecordanco  with  the  advanced  and 
humane  ideas  of  the  present  age. 

Crime  must  ])e  punished;  there  must  be  a  proper 
atonenx  nt  for  every  wilful  breach  of  the  law,  but  the 
penally  of  dtalli  for  any  olTence  is  barbarous  and  aa 
outrage  on  hunuuiity.  May  such  penalty  soon  be  abol- 
ishi'd  forever  I* 

The  world's  great  poet  must  have  felt  that  it  was 
wrong  to  take  hunuiu  life  wlieu  he  wrote— on  the  abuse 
of  authority: — 

"O,  it  is  ((xcollent  to  linvo  a  giaut  s  strength;  but  it  is  tyrannous 
Tu  (ISO  it  liku  II  giuiit. 

And  on  mercy: — 

"  Aliwl  iiliisl    Wliy,  nil  the  souls  tliat  wore,  vrorn  forfeit  onoe ; 
.Mid  ll(f  Hint  iiii«lit  tho  viiiitii  o  best  liiivo  took 
Foiiiul  out  tilt;  ruiiujily.    How  vvoulil  you  l)e, 
If  Ho  wliiih  in  tho  to))  of  Jii(l;{mt;iit  should 
Jiut  judne  you  as  you  are?    ( »,  think  on  that ; 
And  mercy  tliiui  will  brealho  within  your  lii)s, 
Like  man  new  made." 


*  A  relieious  iJapcv— "  The  Mt^hodist  "  of  New  York— not  lona 
ai'o  iniblishod  a  most  barbanuis  aimroval  of  Ic^al  niurdor.  In 
IHTii,  a  mail  named  Dolaii,  who,  it  is  l)l•(^slIm(.•d,  was  a  lioman 
(.'iilholli;  was  c'liareed  witli  tho  murder  of  a  Mr.  Noe  and  exe- 
cuted for  tlin  alleRod  oftciico  Upon  this  "Tho  Methodist  "  ro- 
iiiiirkcd:  "Thoniun  Dolaii  liiinar  at  the  Tomlis  in  this  city  last 
week  IxilonRod  to  a  cIiihs  that  wo  have  no  better  use  for  than 
hiuiSiiiK  them,  AVo  liave  serui)los  alxmt  hauuiiif,'  men  on  eireum- 
staiitial  ovideiico  and  if  a  man  has  any  character,  as  for  exam- 
lilo  liiilionstuin  lias,  wo  should  strenuously  favor  other  modes  of 
jninishment  The  Dolnns  are  professional  enemies  of  society, 
riiey  kill  ua  wlioii  they  get  a  chance  and  have  a  luotivo.  Vfo 
should  haUK  them  as  wo  shoot  wolves  whenever  we  ueta  chance, 
We  do  not  know  whetlier  Mr.  Dolan  killed  Mr.  Noe  iior  do  wo 
care.  Ho  h.id  probably  though  only  twenty-two  years  old,  killed 
othiT  men.  and  if  ho  had  lived  would  certainly  have  gone  on 
killing.  Wo  ouRht  to  baiiK  every  Friday  at  the  Tombs  aa  many 
Uolaus  as  the  oUiuors  could  dispone  of    It  is  terribly  unsafe  living 


'yR^arg-i'-'i^f'^fg^rag^si'aysmwe; 


*'>'^mmms^miSfiMmmmmmim<i^-ii^^'s^^-' 


184 


llKMINISfKNCKS 


"Accor'ling  to  the  stutl«tii-H  pul'llMhcdby  tlie  Howard 
AsHociiilio.Mhom.mlMT  ..f  cipl;..!  -.'ntcncL.H  cxi'cutc.l 
In  propoilion  to  IhoHi"  pronounco.l   •■■^  HttM.lily  den-eaH- 
hvT      During  the   ten  yours  hclwi'C.i  IKTO  und  1H<!>,  Ui- 
chi«lvo   only  Id  mvmm  'v.^rc  executed  out  of  (iOft  con- 
demned to  death  in  Am  n:a,  IM  out  of   11.K  Inrmnee, 
Vir,  out  of  201  In  Spivin,  (1  out  of  4tl  in  Sweden  and  Nor- 
way, 1  out  of  1)4  In  I).Mmmrk,  7  out  of  m  in  llavar la, 
and  only  one  out  of   1H4   in  North   (Jernmny.     lu  tho 
United  StatcH  during  tlic  same  period  there  have  heen 
about  2,500  convlcf'ons  for  murder  and  only  200  execu- 
tions, half  of  which  were  appli.i'n,  us  of  ♦'  lynch  law. 
In  Australia  and  New  /.ealand,  I  --  persons  have  been 
condemned  t«  death  and  only  .  „' executed.    In  Eng- 
land and  Wales,  2,W)n  persons  have  been  tried  for  nmr- 
der  <luriHg  ilo  thirty  years  between   1850  and  18/1),  and 

of  this  num! ««5,  -r  IJU  per  cent.,  have  been  sentenced 

to  death,  and  :i72,  or  1(»  per  cent.,  executed.  Dunng 
the  last  tMcaty  yenrs,  (Hi  persons  hiul  been  sentence.l  to 
de.lh  in  Ireland,  an.i  m  executed;  while  m  Scotland 
there  ha  .  ••  L.  en  15  executions  out  of  40  capital  sen- 
tences wil'iiP  the  name  period.  Capital  punishment 
has  been -lolished  in  Ilollan.!  since  1870,  and  accord- 
incrtoi'tc  .'tatistics  of  the  Howard  Association  there 
ha^'veboLU  only  17  murders  committed  since  then,  as 
a-ainst  10  in  the  previous  period  of  ten  years.  Capital 
punishment  is  practically  abolished  in  Portugal,  Rou- 
mania,  and  Belgium,  as  it  also   is  in  several  of  the 

the  most  dreadful  of  all  uocessiues 


,„»l»i!ii'iW-.^i--«3«'.l«SK, 


'.ri^T  ^tTffl"^  ^"  "fii."i"r—/^ 


i„^Jifi  .,—..- 


l_-„-.  ^ 


SCKNCKS 


•H  piiVliMhcdby  tlio  Howard 

c'lipi;  .i  •'•■ntciu'i'H  »!xncutctl 
juiu't'<l    '-  HtfiuUly  (leiTnas- 

hislwec'.i  1K7I>  and  1H7!»,  in- 
D  executed  out  of  (iOH  con- 

\)A  out   of   I'.lK  lu  rmnce, 
t  of  40  iu  Sweden  and  Nor- 
c,7out  of  '2V.)  in  llavarla, 
11  Nortli   Gornmny.    In  the 
me  period  there  have  been 
murder  and  only  2()0  exccu- 
.pliciMl  US  of  "lynch  law." 
md,   !  '^  porHonH  have  been 
only  t  .v>  executed.    In  Eng- 
ouH  have  been  tried  for  niur- 
belween   1850  and  187!),  and 
!r  cent.,  have  been  sentenced 
per  cent.,  executed.    During 
iisons  hiul  been  sentenced  to 
xecuted-,  while   in  Scotland 
utionti  out  of  40  capital  sen- 
period.    Capital  punishment 
Ham!  since  1870,  and  accord- 
e  Howard  Association  there 
rs  committed  since  then,  as 
period  of  ten  years.    Capital 

abolished  in  Portugal,  Rou- 
it  also  is  in  several  of  the 


i\nd  wo  never  met  an  enthusiast 
expectation  of  the  relormatlou  of 

hodistic  humaiiUy,  the  New  York 
now  whether  Dolan  killed  Noe  or 
sort  of  law  and  justice  doys  tliia 
to  road  such  lauKuage  in  a  rcligioim 
sibility  dclil)eratoly  to  take  the  life 
)lly  within  our  iMjwer.  No  matter 
o  take  it  away  may  well  iuaplre  us 
ital  punishment  bo  a  necessity,  it  is 
ilties  " 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGE  ^  (MT-S) 


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Photographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


5ase-fir^S»^s»^^sg^««s^^***gss?s*-i-»i«#!^ss;«i=----  ^  - 


CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/ICiVIH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


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Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiques 


fts^^^^feB^SiISK^3!»  ;;:i:fcu"jr3 1  r^- . 


OF    A   PREACIIEB. 


m 


states  of  America;  but  it  is  to  be  noted  that  the  appli- 
cation of  lyncli  law  is  more  frequent  in  these  States — 
such  as  Michigan  and  Rhode  Island — than  in  those 
where  the  punishment  of  death  is  still  inflicted."-(Tor- 
onlo  Globe  of  May  27, 1881.) 


CHAPTER   XXII. 


ETERNAL  PUNISHMENT. 


In  these  days  of  so-called  advanced  ideas,  men  of 
deep  thought  and  great  learning  assure  bs  that  much  of 
what  we  have  been  led  to  believe  to  be  pure  truth,  is  in 
reality  nothing  but  fiction.  This,  they  say,  is  especially 
the  case  regarding  theology.  Old  notions  are  being 
rudely  upset,  and  we  find  persons  who  while  busily 
engaged  in  endeavors  to  liberate  and  exalt  the  human 
mind  from  what  they  assert  to  be  the  erroneous  teach- 
ings of  the  past,  are  at  the  same  time  actually  attempting 
to  improve  the  character  of  the  Deity,  and  rescue  it  from 
the  unworthy  attributes  said  to  have  been  attached  to 
it  by  the  majority  of  pious  doctors  and  professors  of 
theology. 

The  thought  is  startling  to  many.  What  I  Is  it 
possible  that  weak  and  fallible  man  should  have  the 
temerity  to  cast  a  reflection  on  that  august  Nature  which 
has  so  long  been  pointed  to  as  perfection?  But  I  sup- 
pose all  that  we  can  ever  know  of  the  character  or  dis- 
position of  the  Supreme,  beyond  what  we  can  learn 
from  the  great  book  of  Nature,  is  that  which  is  revealed 
to  us  in  the  Bible  and  in  other  inspired  writings;  and 
our  surprise  will  be  increased  when  we  find  that  the 
preachers  and  clergy  of  some  of  the  most  influential 


feU 


186 


UEMIXISCENCE8 


denominations  tell  ua  in  effect  that  the  Scriptures  do 
not  mean  wliat  they  say,  whcu  they  intinate  that  God 
is  subject  to  the  same  passions  as  man — that  he  is 
changeable,  envious,  jealous,  angry,  and  vindictive, — 
even  when  in  text  alter  text  wc  read — "  And  it  repented 
God  that  he  had  made  man  " — "For  I  the  Lord  thy  God, 
am  a  jealous  God" — "Fori  have  kindled  a  lire  in  mine 
anger" — "I  will  not  pity,  nor  spare,  nor  have  mercy, 
but  destroy;  "  and  fiu'thermore  many  now  assert  that 
God  is  not  revengeful,  though  we  lind  it  recorded,  "The 
wicked  shall  be  turned  into  hell  and  all  the  nations  that 
forget  God." — "  Upon  the  wicked  he  shall  rain  snares, 
lire,  and  brimstone" — "In  flaming  fire  taking  vengeance 
on  them  which  know  not  God  " — "  But  he  will  burn  up 
the  chaff  with  unquenchable  fire" — "And  shall  cast 
them  (the  wicked)  into  a  furnace  of  fire  " — "  And  he 
shall  be  tormented  with  lire  and  brimstone  in  the  pres- 
ence of  the  holy  angels,  and  in  the  presence  of  the 
Lamb  " — "  Depart  from  mo  ye  cursed  into  everlasting 
fire  prepared  for  the  devil  and  his  angels" — "The  smoke 
of  their  torment  asccndcth  up  for  ever  and  ever;  and 
they  shall  have  no  rest  day  nor  night" — "I  also  will 
laugh  at  your  calamity;  1  will  mock  when  your  fear 
Cometh" — "He  that  sitteth  in  the  heavens  shall  laugh: 
the  Lord  shall  have  them  in  derision  " — "The  righteous 
shall  also  see,  and  fear,  and  shall  laugh  at  him." 

These  and  many  other  dreadful  passages  throughout 
the  Bible  assure  us  first,  That  there  is  a  hell  called  the 
"bottomless  pit,"  the  "furnace  of  fire,"  the  "  lake  of 
fire,"  in  which  condemned  sinners  are  to  be  ever  tor- 
mented by  means  of  "  fire  and  brimstone."  Secondly, 
That  the  fearful  infliction  is  to  be  "  everlasting " — 
"for  ever  and  ever,"  the  fire  being  "unquenchable." 
Thirdly,  That  this  fierce  torment  is  to  take  place  in 
the  presence  of  the  holy  angels,  and  in  the  presence  of 
the  Lamb,  and  that  the  Almighty  shall  rejoice  over  the 


:mixiscence8 

in  effect  that  the  Scriptures  do 
y,  wiicu  they  intinate  that  God 
)  passions  as  man — that  he  h 
ealous,  angry,  and  vindictive, — 
text  wc  read — "  And  it  repented 
lan  "—"For  I  the  Lord  thy  God, 
l^or  I  have  liindlcd  a  fire  in  mine 
ty,  nor  spare,  nor  have  mercy, 
herraorc  many  now  assert  that 
hougli  wc  find  it  recorded,  "The 
into  hell  and  all  the  nations  that 
he  wicked  he  shall  rain  snares, 
In  flaming  fire  taking  vengeance 
)t  God  " — "  But  he  will  burn  up 
ichablc   fire" — "And  shall  cast 

a  furnace  of  fire  " — "  And  he 

fire  and  brimstone  in  the  prcs- 
d\s,  and  in  the  presence  of  the 
n  mo  j'c  cursed  into  everlasting 
I'll  and  his  angels" — "The  smoke 
loth  up  for  ever  and  ever;  and 

day  nor  night" — "I  also  will 
;  1  will  mock  when  your  fear 
teth  in  the  heavens  shall  laugh : 
n  in  derision  " — "The  righteous 
and  shall  laugh  at  him." 
r  dreadful  passages  throughout 
,  That  there  is  a  hell  called  the 
"  furnace  of  fire,"  the  "  lake  of 
nod  sinners  arc  to  be  ever  tor- 
[ire  and  brimstone."  Secondly, 
tion  is  to  be  "everlasting" — 
lie  fire  being  "  unquenchable." 
ce  torment  is  to  take  place  in 

angels,  and  in  the  presence  of 
Almighty  shall  rejoice  over  the 


OF  A  rnEAciiEn. 


187 


condemnation  of  the  wicked,  and  shall  laugh  at  their 
calamity. 

Nothing,  therefore,  within  the  covers  of  the  Bible 
can  be  more  clearly  established  than  the  doctrine 
of  Divine  vengeance  and  eternal  punishment.  With 
numerous  texts  of  this  character  before  them,  how  can 
men  professing  a  belief  in  Divine  revelation,  ignore 
such  fulminations  and  declare  that  they  do  not  mean 
what  they  say,  or  that  the  passages  are  mistranslations 
or  interpolations?  Still  certain  professors  of  theology 
and  learned  doctors  of  divinity  either  assert  that  such 
is  the  case,  or  by  some  peculiar  cxegetical  process  they 
deduce  some  other  explanation  sulFicient  to  neutralize 
the  condemnatory  meaning  to  their  own  satisfaction. 

Were  it  necessary,  the  numerous  comments  of  certain 
individual  members  and  clergy  of  some  of  the  straitest 
sects  could  be  quoted  to  prove  that  the  leaven  of  heter- 
odoxy with  regard  to  eternal  punii^hment  has  already 
caused  much  contention  in  the  churches,  and  that  con- 
ferences, and  synods,  and  other  ministerial  convocations, 
have  been  assembled  to  call  to  account  certain  erring 
shepherds,  and  to  advocate  their  expulsion  as  being 
teachers  dangerous  to  faith  and  morals,  simply,  and 
perhaps  mostly  because,  under  a  humane  impulse — one 
implanted  by  Natui  j  or  by  the  Creator — they  cannot 
believe  that  the  Almighty  made  and  prepared  a  hell  of 
lire  and  brimstone  in  which  unpardoned  sinners — the 
creatures  whom  he  made— shall  be  tormented  forever 
and  ever,  while  He  and  the  saints  look  on  to  deride  and 
laugh,  to  mock  when  their  fear  cometh,  and  to  rejoice 
at  their  calamity  1 

"  Brother,"  said  one  of  our  distinguished  preachers  to 
me  a  short  time  ago,  "  it  is  rumored  that  among  others 
you  have  ventured  to  express  a  doubt  regarding  the 
doctrine  of  eternal  punishment.  This  you  know  is  one 
of  our  leading  tenets,  which  our  people  will  insist  on, — 


ii 


^ii>mm))Mismi0j-< 


188 


BEMINISCKNCE8 


one  which  if  you  give  up  must  destroy  your  influence 
and  usefulness  among  Methodists.  The  matter  has 
been  mentioned  to  me;  not  yet,  however,  as  an  open 
complaint;  I  have  been  merely  asked  to  caution  you." 
I  looked  at  him  for  a  moment,  and  without  waitmg 
for  any  reply  he  continued: — 

«'  I  am  aware  that  many  of  tl»e  most  distinguished 
Protestant  divines  of  the  present  day  secretly  reject  the 
idea  of  a  benevolent  Deity  having  provided  a  Hell  for 
the  everlasting  torture  of  the  fallible  beings  he  has 
created,  just  as  strongly  as  most  of  the  old  Protestant 
reformers  denounced  the  idea  of  Purgatory  or  even 
universal  salvation.    I  say  they  do  this  secretly,  for 
few  even  among  the  boldest  have  yet  had  the  temerity 
to  strike  openly  at  a  doctrine  which,  strange  to  say,  is 
held  to  be  comjpatible  with  divine  benignity  and  worthy 
of  credence  by  thousands  who  nevertheless  exultmgly 
proclaim   with   the    psalmist   that   the  mercy  of  God 
endureth  forever.    How  reluctantly  some  give  up  old 
beliefs,  even  a  belief  in  Hell  I    To  many  this  belief  is 
now  impossible.    Is  it  so  with  you,  brother?    Be  plam 
with  me  as  I  shall  be  so  with  you." 

We  were  alone,  and  my  friend  spoke  in  alow,  con- 
fidential tone,  which  someway  led  me  to  suspect  that 
he  himself  had  probably  some  misgivings  regarding  a 
doctrine  so  particularly  prominent  in  the  affirmative 
teaching  of  our  own  Society,  as  well  as  among  nearly 
all  others  classed  as  dissenters.  I  must  say  that  I  was 
a  little  surprised,  or  rather  taken  aback  by  the  question, 
and  I  hesitated  to  make  a  reply. 

"Speak  out,"  continued  he,  encouragingly,  "your 

sUence  certifies  as  to  your  doubt.    It  may  be  a  step  out 

of  a  delusion." 

"  Have  you  a  doubt  on  the  subject?  "  I  asked. 

"  I  have,"  he  replied,  "  and  one  that  I  am  confident 

wiU  not  lead  to  despair,  but  rather  to  the  delightful 


NISCKNCE8 

must  destroy  your  Influence 
VIcthodista.    The   matter  has 

not  yet,  however,  as  an  open 
jcrely  asked  to  caution  you." 

moment,  and  without  waiting 
d:— 

ny  of  tite  most  distinguished 
present  day  secretly  reject  the 
;ity  liaving  provided  a  Hell  for 
)f  the  fallible  beings  he  has 
18  moat  of  the  old  Protestant 
ic  idea  of  Purgatory  or  even 
say  they  do  this  secretly,  for 
lest  have  yet  had  the  temerity 
trine  which,  strange  to  say,  is 
ih  divine  benignity  and  worthy 
is  who  nevertheless  exultmgly 
Imist   that   the  mercy  of  God 
'  reluctantly  some  give  up  old 
I  Hell  I    To  many  this  belief  is 
0  with  you,  brother?    Be  plain 
with  you." 

ay  friend  spoke  in  a  low,  con- 
raeway  led  me  to  suspect  that 
|r  some  misgivings  regarding  a 
r  prominent  in  the  affirmative 
ciety,  as  well  as  among  nearly 
enters.  I  must  say  that  I  was 
ler  taken  aback  by  the  question, 

a  reply. 

lued  he,  encouragingly,  "your 
ur  doubt.    It  may  be  a  step  out 

n  the  subject?  "  I  asked. 

,  "  and  one  that  I  am  confident 

ir,  but  rather  to  the  delightful 


OF  A  PKEACIIEU. 


•189 


hope  that  as  God  is  merciful  all  shall  be  saved.  I  will 
bo  candid  with  you,"  said  he,  lowering  his  voice,  "  and, 
though  you  and  others  may  not  have  suspected  it,  for 
years  back  I  could  not  conscientiously  preach  the  theo- 
logical perdition  of  sinners.  To  do  so  would  be  most 
repulsive  to  my  feelings.  I  could  not,  and  believe,  as  I 
do  believe,  in  divine  forgiveness  and  mercy."* 

"  Then  what  of  the  numerous  texts  relating  to  eternal 
punishment?  "  I  asked. 

"  They  are  simply  conflicting  texts  like  many  others 
in  the  Uible,"  he  replied.  "  No  matter  what  may  or 
may  not  have  been  asserted  as  to  the  harmony  of 
Biblical  statements,  or  to  the  unity  of  idea  in  the  Scrip- 
tures, still  there  are  positive  contradictions  which  our 
best  commentators  find  it  impossible  to  reconcile.  For 
instance:  Take  one  case  out  of  a  large  number  of 
incompatible  statements.  We  are  told  most  emphati- 
cally that  'No  man  hath  seen  God  at  any  time,'— 
'Whom  no  man  hath  seen  or  can  see,' — 'Ye  have 
neither  heard  his  voice,  at  any  time,  nor  seen  his 
shape,'— 'And  he  said.  Thou  canst  not  see  my  face, 
for  there  shall  no  man  see  me  and  live.'  Now  these 
texts  plainly  declare  that  none  have  ever  seen  God,  or 
even  heard  his  voice;  yet,  in  the  same  inspired  Book, 
we  learn  that  Adam  heard  his  voice  in  the  garden;  that 
'  the  Lord  spake  to  Moses  face  to  face ' ;  Jacob,  after  a 
night  of  wrestling  with  a  man,  an  angel,  or  the  Lord, 
declares,  '  I  have  seen  God  face  to  face.'  Regarding 
this  extraordinary  scene,  we  are  informed  by  a  com- 
mentator in  his  Biblical  notes,  that  '  This  narrative  has 
so  great  difliculties  that  the  ablest  commentators  are 
divided  whether  to  consider  it  as  a  simple  matter  of 


•A  tlistinBuiahed  D.  D.  of  a  Presbyterian  Collose  informed  the 
writer  not  Ion*  ago  Uiat  he  "  had  not  preached  HeU  for  the  last 
twenty  years."  Subsequently  two  otlier  miuisters  of  ibe  same 
ueuonuuatiou  made  a  similar  statement. 


miimiimsm»t«i«>>- 


m 


nv.MisnscENCES 


fnof  or  09  a  prophetic  vision.'    Others  have  tried  to 
cx,l>in    away    the    euigm.    by    Baying    that    Jacobs, 
wSn.MUUBtbctal<on   'in  a  moral  .on«c  as  an  act  of 
^1  l^t  nravor.'    13c  this  as  it  may,  we  have  one  notable 
i^  tlnrwhich  the  Lord,the  Almighty  himsell  was 
.ran    seen,  and  touched,  an  instance  so  plain  t 
t  caves  no  room  whatever  for  commentators  to  doubt 
oV^twist  the  narrative  to  suit  ^  1--;-;^^^ 
hostile  to  the  anthropomorphism  "^ J^'*^  "^'^y- J  j"  j 
ISth    chanter    of    Genesis,   wc  find   that     inc  i.ui 
ip    ared  unto  (Abraham)  on  the  plains  of  Mamre:  and 
ho  sat  in  the  tent  door  in  the  heat  of  the  day.'    The 

a  com" states  that  'Three  -»  ^ \'L  th^  tTnt 
when  he  saw  them  he  ran  to  meet  them  f ron    the  ten 
doo^  ai'd  bowed  himself  toward  the  ground'    'And 
saUl  My  Lord,  if  now  I  have  found  favor  m  thy  sight, 

pi  iS  away  I  pray  thee  from  ^r''Tl\I^ 
Ln  informed  that  after  the- visitors  had  hm    tluar 
feet  washed,  and  had  partaken  of  mdk,  butjei,vea, 
annakes    the   Lord  inquired  for  Sarah,  Abraham's 
wiJe,  anr^romised  that  though  she  was  '  wcn-stncken 
hi  a^'  she  should  have  a  son.   The  Lord  further  spoke 
concerning  Sodom,  and  intimated  his  intention  as  to 
he  destruction  of  'that  wicked  city,  and  that  upon  the 
repeated  pleading  of  Abraham,  he  consented  to  spare 
the  place,  provided  that  even  ten  righteous  persons 
could  be  found  therein.  •„:*«**>,« 

"  This  Scriptural  account  of  the  personal  visit  of  the 
Almi-hty  to  Abraham  precludes  the  possibdity  of  the 
denial  of  Jehovah  having  appeared  in  human  form, 
of  havincr  travelled  and  rested,  eaten  and  drank.  Ke- 
2ardin-°thi3  wonderful  visit,  a  commentator  simplj 
remarks:  '  The  fact  is,  we  live  under  a  dispensation  sc 
different,  and  in  a  period  so  remote  trom  th«  ^ge  « 
miracles  that  it  is  difficult  for  us  to  form  a  toleraW 
idea  of  these  events;    and  many  impertinent  question. 


•nSCENCES 

sion.'    others  have  tried  to 
lii    bv    saying    tliat    Jacob's 
in  ii  moral  sonsc  as  an  act  of 
8  it  may,  we  have  cue  notable 
rd,  the  Almighty  himselt,  was 
bed,  an  instance  so  plain  that 
;r  for  commentators  to  doubt 
to  suit  any  preconceived  idea 
rphisra  of  the  Deity.    In  the 
is,   we  find   that  'Tlic  Lord 
)  on  the  plains  of  Mamre:  and 
nthe  heat  of  the  day.'    The 
irec  men  stood  by  him;  and 
1  to  meet  them  from  the  tent 
f  toward  the  ground.'    '  And 
nave  found  favor  in  thy  sight, 
!e  from  thy  servant.'    We  arc 
r  these  visitors  had  had  their 
lartaken  of  milk,  butter,  veal, 
[iquired  for  Sarah,  Abraham's 
though  she  was  '  well-stricken 
a  son.   The  Lord  further  spoke 
intimated  his  intention  as  to 
wicked  city,  and  that,  upon  the 
.braham,  he  consented  to  spare 
at  even  ten  righteous  persona 

>unt  of  the  personal  visit  of  the 
precludes  the  possibility  of  the 
t'ing  appeared  in  human  form, 
1  rested,  eaten  and  drank.  Re- 
d  visit,  a  commentator  simply 
we  live  under  a  dispensation  so 
L-iod  so  remote  trom  the  age  of 
3ult  for  us  to  form  a  tolerable 
and  many  impertinent  questions 


OF   A   PREACIIEn. 


101 


have  boon  apkod  to  which  the  Scriptures  furnish  no 
answer,  and  therefore  it  is  our  duty  to  be  silent.  Thus 
far  we  know  that  the  Deity  is  capable  of  assuming  any 
created  form,  and  of  communicating  any  form  to 
creatures,  cither  permanent  or  tempoiaiy.'  See  Com- 
mentary in  Cottage  Bible. 

'<Thc  commentator  evidently  felt  the  difficulty  under 
which  he  labored  in  giving  any  explanation  of  this 
singular  interview  between  the  Lord  and  Abraham,  and 
of  the  entertainment  of  the  august  visitor  by  the 
patriarch,  and  was  no  doubt  desirous  of  making  no 
further  remarks  regarding  a  narrative  which  has  been 
so  perplexing  to  the  clergy.  But  while  wo  arc  recom- 
mended '  to  be  silent,'  wc  are  forced  to  admit  that  wo 
are  in  this  account  furnished  with  one  of  the  most 
remarkable  contradictions  to  bo  found  in  the  inspired 
Word. 

"  I  have  been  astonished,"  continued  my  friend,  "  at 
the  unquestioning  credulity  of  some  of  our  members, 
even  of  many  of  our  preachers,  respecting  this  relation 
of  the  meeting  at  Mamre.  They  will  not  admit  that 
there  is  a  conflicting  statement  in  the  Bible,  and  that 
what  appears  to  be  so  is  simply  in  consequence  of  our 
sinful  inability  to  understand  the  sacred  narrative. 
They  boldly  assert  that  our  rcjwoning  powers  are  totally 
incapable  of  dealing  with  the  mysterious  teachings  of 
the  Almighty,  and,  like  the  commentator,  they  tell  ua 
that  with  such  Divmo  matters  '  it  is  our  duty  to  be 
silent.'  Must  there  be  no  protest  against  the  insanity 
of  extravagant  belief?  "  . 


I  >«'.UuGnMWfi>NI»»it9»^.ii«>».M.«.l»ld*»i>»^<c  Wiisi^^  «  ^ 


102 


UKMINISCENCKS 


CHAFTEB  XXIII. 

CONFLICTIKO  TEACHERS. 

It  is  well  known  that  the  increasing  numher  of  those 
who  are  hostile  to  the  claims  of  Christianity  always 
Isaertthat  if  the  Scriptures  were  truly  mspired,  the  r 
5  fferent  parts  would  be  harmonious  instead  of  conflict- 
?;rancl  that  no  statement  in  the  Bible  couldccn^^^^^^^^^^ 
any  other  statement  whatever  in  the  same  book.  These 
Zges  are  now  calmly  made  by  ---and  by  worn  n, 
too-eminent  for  their  learning  and  ability,  and    ho 
cSSn  Church  is  at  present  agitated  in  eveir  direction 
fn  order  to  refute  opponents  against  whose  moUves  no 
slanderous  reproach  or  accusation  need  be  attempted. 

Tha  there'are,  or  seem  to  be,  Biblical  cont-d.c  ions 
Jst  be  admitted.    To  satisfy  myself  on    his  head  I 
made  it  a  duty  to  examine  the  texts  or  narratives  alleged 
TXI  i  variance,  and  I  must  acknowledge  that  the  dis- 
covory  of  many  of  such  discrepancies  caused  me  much 
realess,  th'e  best  commentators  which  I  consu  ted 
affording  me  no  satisfactory  explanation.    \Vhen  fail 
?n«r  n  this  respect,  I  furthermore  made  it  a  point  to  ask 
f^r  an  n  erpre'tati^n  of  these  Scriptural  difflcuUi^s  from 
some  of  our  oldest  leading  preachers,  and  while  a  few 
admitted  that  they  held  doubts  themselves  on  the  poinds 
adverted   to,  others   almost  reproached   me   for  my 
Sq'isitive  spirit,  merely  telling  me  tb^tth-e  was  suffi- 
cient in  the  Bible  for  my  instruction,  and  that  to  ques- 
;:n  the  validity  of  any  part  of  God's  --r^  b-aus^  ^^ 
frail  reason  failed  to  comprehend  what  was  written 
therein,  was  simply  a  proof  of  man's  innate  sinfulness 
and  pre  umption'  FinaUy,  I  was  told  that  I  was  placing 


M^ENCES 


I  XXIII. 


^  TEACUERS. 


increasing  number  of  those 
lima  of  Christianity  always 
s  were  truly  inspired,  their 
•raonious  instead  of  conflict- 
in  the  Bible  could  contravene 
rer  in  the  same  book.  These 
ie  by  men— and  by  women, 
irning  and  ability,  and  the 
snt  agitated  in  every  direction 
ts  against  whose  motives  no 
isation  need  be  attempted, 
to  bo.  Biblical  contradictions, 
Lisfy  myself  on  this  head,  I 
the  texts  or  narratives  alleged 
ist  acknowledge  that  the  dis- 
iscrepancies  caused  me  much 
itentators  which  I  consulted 
tory  explanation.    \Vhcn  fail- 
ermore  made  it  a  point  to  ask 
eso  Scriptural  difficulties  from 
f  preachers,  and  while  a  few 
)ubts  themselves  on  the  points 
ost  reproached   me   for  my 
telling  me  that  there  was  suffi- 
instruction,  and  that  toques- 
art  of  God's  word  because  my 
.mprchend  what  was  written 
)of  of  man's  innate  sinfulness 
y,  I  was  told  that  I  was  placing 


or  A  PREACHER. 


the  eternal  interest  of  my  soul  in  jeopardy  by  indulging 
iu  the  prying  but  wicked  curiosity  too  prevalent  in  these 
degenerate  days. 

Alasl  thought  I,  if  I  cannot  understand  these  incom- 
prehensible passages,  to  what  extent  were  the  Scriptures 
written  for  our  information? 

In  further  conversation  with  my  friend  on  the  lub- 
ject  of  Biblical  contradictions  and  interpolations,  I 
remarked  that  these,  while  engendering  mistrust  in  the 
minds  of  those  who  would  fain  remain  steadfast,  gave 
the  opposers  of  our  religion  one  of  their  strongest  argu- 
ments against  the  validity  of  our  faith.  "  Even  now," 
I  said,  "  there  are  actually  sceptics  in  the  pulpit." 

"  So  there  are,"  ho  replied.    "  Methodists  and  Pres- 
byterians, and  others    who  once  fancied   themselves 
secuni  and  well-grounded  in  their  belief  are,  like  certain 
prominent  members  of  the  National  Church,  every  day 
yielding  little  by  little  to  the  pressing  arguments  of 
heterodox  writers.    With  reference  to  the  doctrine  of 
eternal  punishment  several  of  our  ablest  divines  tiy  to 
explain  away  this  alleged  blot  on  the  character  of  the 
Deity,  and  to  a  large  number  of  our  most  thoughtful 
aul  intelligent  church  members  this  fearful  retribution 
is  most  repulsive.    Indeed,  I  have  recently  heard  many 
of  our  people  say  that  God  cannot  be  good  and  be 
revengeful;  that  his  honor  and  glory  is  not  advanced  by 
the  condemnation  of  the  fallible  beings  he  created  to 
the  shocking  tortures  and  unspeakable  torments  of  hell. 
He  made  men  with  their  imperfections  and  with  such 
tendencies  to  err  as  they  naturally  possess.    Is  it  just 
that  they  should  be  held  to  a  terrible  responsibility  for 
any  defective  workmanship  on  the  part  of  the  Great 
Architect?    What  would  be  thought  of   an  ordinary 
mortal  who  would  insist  on  such  conditions,  or  who 
could  exhibit  a  spirit  of  such  fearful  implacability?  No, 
my  friend,  were  the  Almighty  to  doom  even  one  sinner 
to  everlasting  torture,  it  would  rob  him  of  his  title  to  be 


ilBKWWilWHteWaiiiWai^t. 


-,::.J 


IM 


IIKMINISCKNCKS 


'r ., 


either  merciful  or  gracious,  ami  would  reduce  him  to  a 
S  of  vin.lictiv:>ucHs.  I  must  .uhnlt  to  you  th.  I 
cannot,  that  1  dare  not,  consider  the  ^^>'""'P»^«"  .  f « 
whom  wc  would  worship  so  atrocious  as  to  claim  a 
TetalTation  which  would  doom  so  many  myriads  to  an 

'^•^^::s:rrr;:;:iivright,itwouid,.theju^ 

tlce    it  would  not  bo  God-like,"  I  answered.        Mau 
can'forJve  his  bitterest  enemy.     Even  after  long,  long 
wars  of  cruel  hostility  to  an  enemy,  he  can  a  last 
Jlent  and  pity.    Can  man  possess  the  ^^^^^ 
of  for-'ivcness  to  a  greater  degree  than  the  Al  nighty? 
°  .Impossible,"  continued  my  friend,  "  ^or  already  the 
pulpit  lias  found  a  tongue,  and  in  delianee  o    all  pi.ju- 
dico  and  opposition,  preacliers,  even  at  the    risk  of 
cxpuMon,  have  given  no  uncertain  sound  in  defence  of 
Divine   mercy.     There  are  now  two    classes  of     ho 
ordained  expounders  of  the  W  rd  whoare  a  issue  on  the 
Bubieerof  hell.    Those   who  favor  eternal  punishment 
IreStL  majority.    In  looking  over  what  Edwards 
nr  Tlixter    or  Doddridge  have  said  regarding  God  s 
deep  "engean  e  on  sinners,  one  would  imagine  that  they 
Sved^he  condemnation  of  the  wicked  was  mchspen- 
rablo  to  God's  glory  and  a  cause  of  rejoicing  for  the 
redeemed.    Without  quoting  the  terrible  comments.o 
those  writers    let  us  hear  what  some  of  the  later  and 
'present  advo^^ates  of  the  doctrine  of  Divine  retribution 
teach  and  assort  on  this  repulsive  dogma.* 

fflroSq«estC,s  and\  ..wo^rs  about  Uell:- 
..  How  win  the  wicked  bo  l';|nl«^.^d  |^f,'«^^„ 
"How  loiiu  will  these  tormeuta last?  „ 

years  "  is  unnecessary. 


8CENCE8 

aiul  would  reduce  him  to  a 
must  iiilnilt  to  you  tliivt  I 
rtUler  the  Ouuilpoteut  lltihig 
80  fttrociou8  as  to  cliilm  ft 
3om  80  many  myriads  to  an 

ly  right,  It  would  not  bo  jus- 
like,"  I  answered.  "  Man 
leniy.  Kven  after  long,  long 
»  an  enemy,  he  can  at  last 
possess  the  Hubllme  attribute 
degree  than  the  Almighty?  " 

I  my  friend,  "  for  already  the 
and  In  dellanco  of  all  preju- 
iichers,  even  at  the  risk  of 
inccrtaln  sound  In  defence  of 
,rc  now  two  classes  of  the 
c  \V  rd  who  are  at  Issue  on  the 
■ho  favor  eternal  punishment 

looking  over  what  Edwards, 
>  have  said  regarding  God's 
■8,  one  would  imagine  that  they 
n  of  the  wicked  was  indispen- 
il  a  cause  of  rejoicing  for  the 
(ting  the  terrible  commcnts.of 
nr  what  some  of  the  later  and 
doctrine  of  Divine  retribution 
repulsive  dogma.* 

dist  Conforenco  a  CatecUism  "  for 
"has  been  published  and  contolns 
kiiHwers  about  Uell  :— 

,ft,  full  of  fire  and  brlmstoBe." 

rdt^i'rbVhavlng  their  bc^^^ 
«.ul9  by  a  sense  of  the  wrath  of  God. 
neutslast?" 

II  last  forever  and  ever.         ,   »     .  . 
wd  teaching  to  "cUUdreu  of  tender 


OF  A  I>I(F.ACIIKR. 


lOS 


ProaldontFinnoy  declares:    "  Wo  may  add  and  mul- 

llply  until  lljiures  are  exluuisted;  let  each  ll^'un;  npre- 
sent  a  million  of  ages;  that  after  having  sulTered  the 
pains  of  Hell  until  tliese  lljjuros  are  thus  cxliausted,  we 
have  no  less  days  to  roll  in  torments  than  wJien 
we  were  first  cast  inl" 

llishop  IVck,  in  his  missionary  discourse,  described 
the  "  .scmc/i  of  a  lost  soul  "  as  follows:  "  Wo  must  got 
the  people  to  think,  in  connection  with  the  cause  of 
missions,  of  the  value  of  an  innnortal  soul;  to  think  of 
Christ's  redeeming  love;  to  think  of  the  terrible  dark- 
n(>«s  that  jjathers  round  the  death-bed  scenes  of  dying 
millions;  to  think  of  the  endless  pain  or  misery  that 
depends  upon  the  success  or  failure  of  the  Gospc'l  to 
reach  the  benighted;  to  think  of  the  horror  of  a  single 
screech  of  a  lost  soul  wandering  out  alone  through  the 
blackness  of  eternal  despair;  to  think  of  the  agony  of 
the  damned,  if  only  for  twenty-four  hours,  and  then 
think  of  an  endless  eternity;  think  of  the  river  of  life; 
think  of  the  joys   of   the  redeemed;    think— </unJb-l 

TlIINKl" 

Here  I  could  not  help  remarking  that  Bishop  Peck's 
appeal  was  for  foreign  missions  for  the  "  benighted  " 
in  foreign  lands,  who  were  very  probably  better  fed, 
clothed,  and  instructed  than  thousands  of  the  benighted 
at  home.  It  would  bo  well  for  infatuaK'd  missionary 
advocates  to  think  first  of  tho  "  screech  of  lost  souls  " 
at  their  own  doors,  yes,  to  "  think— </««/,— tiiinkI" 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Benson,  an  English  minister,  says: 
"  God  is  present  in  Hell,  in  his  infinite  justice  and 
almighty  wrath,  as  an  unfathomable  sea  of  liquid  fire, 
where  tho  wicked  must  drink  in  everlasting  torture.' 
The  presence  of  God  in  his  vengeance  scatters  darkness 
and  woo  through  the  dreary  regions  of  misery.  As 
Heaven  would  be  no  Heaven  if  God  did  not  there  mani- 
fest his  love,  80  HeU  would  be  no  Hell  if  God  did  not  there 


-'«*1"^1"'*.M-X*t'-'S<«w>.  ►. 


196 


REMINISCENCES 


til 


1 


I  i 


display  liU  wrathl  It  is  the  preMace  and  agmci/  of  God 
that  give,  everything  virtue  and  ctHcacy,  wUhont  which 
there  can  be  no  life,  no  sensibility,  no  power  God  is 
therefore  present  in  IIc.l  to  sec  the  punishment  of  these 
rebels  against  his  government,  that  it  may  be  adequate 

to  the  Infinity  of  their  guilt.  His  flei^  '^^^ff^ 
kindles,  and  his  incensed  fury  feeds  the  flame  of  their 
torments,  while  his  powerful  presence  and  operation 
maintain  their  being,  and  render  all  their  powers  most 
acutely  sensible,  thus  setting  the  keenest  edge  upon 
their  pain,  and  making  it  cut  most  intolerably  deep. 
He  will  exert  all  his  Divine  attributes  to  make  them 
as  wretched  as  the  capacity  of  their  nature  will  admit. 

"Hold!"  I  cried,  "read  no  more  from  that  pious 
bishop.  We  have  been  led  to  believe  that  where  God 
is,  is  Heaven;  but  if ,  according  to  this  bishop,  God  is 
present  in  Hell  with  such  attributes,  it  must  be  Hell 

indeed!" 

"Well,"  continued  my  friend,   "let  us  hear  what 
another  eminent  man   has  to  say.    The  Eev.  C.  H. 
Spurgeon  describes  a  scene  as  if  he  had  been  an  actual 
witness,  thus:  "  The  angel  binding  you  hand  and  foot, 
holds  you  one  single  moment  over  the  mouth  of  the 
chasm.    He  bids  you  look  downl-dowull-down  11 
There  is  no  bottom,  and  you  hear  coming  up  from  Iho 
abyss,  sullen  moans,  and  hollow  groans,  and  screams  of 
tortured  ghosts.    You   quiver,  your   bones  melt  like 
wax,  and  your  marrow  quakes  within  youl     Where  is 
now  thy  might?  and  where  thy  boasting  and  bragging? 
Ye  shriek  and  cry,  ye  beg  for  mercy,  but  the  angel  with 
one  tremendous  grasp  seizes  you  fast  and  hurls  you 
down  with  the  cry,  'Awayl  awayl' and  down  you  go 
to  the  pit  that  is  bottomless,  and  roll  forever  downward 
-downward-downward-ne'er  to  find  a  resting  place 
for  the  soles  of  your  feetl"    "  But  in  Hell  there  is  no 
hope.  They  have  not  even  the  hope  of  dying-the  hope 


.  p' 


OF  A   PREACHER. 


197 


IN18CENCES 

he  presence  and  agency  of  God 
uo  aiul  etlkacy,  without  which 
sensibility,  no  power.    God  is 
to  sec  the  punishment  of  these 
iment,  that  it  may  be  adequate 
guilt.     His  fiery  indignation 
fury  feeds  the  flame  of  their 
rcrful  presence  and  operation 
[render  all  their  powers  most 
tting  the  keenest  edge  upon 
it  cut  most  intolerably  deep, 
ivino  attributes  to  make  them 
ity  of  their  nature  will  admit." 
ead  no  more  from  that  pious 
led  to  believe  that  where  God 
:cording  to  this  bishop,  God  is 
h  attributes,  it  must  be  Hell 

ny  friend,    "let  us  hear  what 
has  to  say.    The  Eev.  C.  H. 
jne  as  if  he  had  been  an  actual 
gel  binding  you  hand  and  foot, 
^ment  over  the  mouth  of  the 
look  downl— dowull— downlJI 
i  you  hear  coming  up  from  the 
a  hollow  groans,  and  screams  of 
quiver,  your   bones  melt  like 
quakes  within  youl     Where  is 
lere  thy  boasting  and  bragging? 
eg  for  mercy,  but  the  angel  with 
seizes  you  fast  and  hurls  you 
wayl  awayl'  and  down  you  go 
iless,  and  roll  forever  downward 
•d— ne'er  to  find  a  resting  place 
etl"    "But  in  Hell  there  is  no 
sven  the  hope  of  dying— the  hope 


of  being  annihilated!  They  are  forever— forever— for- 
ever lost!  On  every  (hiiiu  in  Hell  there  is  written, 
'  Forever! '  In  the  tires  there  blazes  out  the  word, 
'  Forever! '  Up  above  their  heads  they  read  '  Forever! ' 
Their  eyes  are  galled,  and  their  hearts  are  pained  with 
the  thought  that  it  is  iorever!" 

"What  wild,  delirious  vehemence!  This  man,"  ex- 
claimed my  friend,  "  is  accounted  an  eminent  preacher, 
whose  pious  discourses  arc  said  to  be  attractive  to 
thousands.  Judging  him  by  what  we  have  just  read, 
no  distracted  inmate  of  a  lunatic  asylum  could  give 
expression  to  fanatical  incoherencies  more  hideous  or 
abominable.  No  wonder  that  such  asylums  arc  the 
refuge  of  so  many  of  the  despairing  who  have  been 
robbed  of  hope  and  made  wretched  burdens  on  society, 
by  the  frenzied  maniacal  ravings  of  such  an  insensate 
monomaniac  as  the  Rev.  C.  II.  Spurgeon.  It  would  be 
far  better  for  many  that  such  teachers  should  be  con- 
fined for  a  time  to  some  '  pit,'  rather  than  Reason 
should  be  bowed  to  the  dust,  in  order  that  such  frantic 
prophets  should  be  venerated  or  trusted.  The  doctrine 
of  eternal  punishment  has  been  carried  to  a  frightful 
extent.  Charles  Fowler,  the  Secretary  of  a  missionary 
society,  is  reported  to  have  lately  said  that  "six 
hundred  millions  of  Heathen  march  into  Hell  evei^ 
thirty-three  years!" 

The  early  fathers  of  the  Christian  Church  found  it 
necessary  to  alarm  sinners  by  threats  of  eternal  punish- 
ment similar  to  those  still  used  at  the  present  day.  In 
the  second  century,  TertuUian,  in  a  discourse  against 
the  follies  of  the  Pagan  Romans,  said:  "You  are  fond 
of  spectacles:  expect  the  greatest  of  all  spectacles — the 
last  and  eternal  judgment  of  the  universe !  How  shall 
I  admire,  how  laugh,  how  rejoice,  how  exult,  when 
I  behold  so  roxiny  proud  monarchs  and  fancied  gods 
groaning  in  the  lowest   abyss  of   darkness;  so  many 


198 


IEMINI8CENCE8 


magistrates  who  persecuted  the  name  of  the  Lord, 
liquifying  in  fiercer  fires  than  they  ever  kindled  against 
the  Christians,  so  many  sage  philosophers  blushing  in 
red-hot  flames,  with  their  deluded  scholars,  so  many 
celebrated  poets  trembling  before  the  tribunal,  not  of 
Minos,  but  of  Christ!" 

"The!?e  utterings  are,"  I  exclaimed,  "  most  impious. 
Such  opinions  delivered  even  by  the  so-called  servants 
of  God  are  actual  blasphemies  against  the  Deity." 

"  Nothing  less,"  continued  my  friend.  "  I  might  read 
others  of  the  same  kind,  but  the  mind  must  be  diseased 
which  could  believe  that  a  benevolent  Being  could  be 
so  atrocious  as  such  rabid  teachers  represent.  But, 
Heaven  be  praised!  the  pulpit  may  not  much  longer  be 
degraded  by  men  who  attribute  to  the  Almighty  that 
which  the  most  humane  believe  must  be  contrary  to  his 
nature.  Let  us  hear  what  other  preachers  have  to  say 
in  support  of  God's  reconcilement  and  forgiveness,  and 
in  opposition  to  the  doctrine  of  retribution  so  eagerly 
taught  by  a  class  of  gloomy-predicting  instructors  and 
excited  revivalists.  Here  is  an  extract  from  a  sermon 
preached  not  long  since  by  the  Eev.  Dr.  Farrar,  Canon 
of  Westminster.  He  «ays:  '  I  repudiate  these  creeds 
and  ghastly  travesties  of  the  holy  and  awful  will  of 
God.  I  arraign  them  as  mercilessly  ignorant.  I 
impeach  them  as  a  falsehood  against  Christ's  universal 
and  absolute  redemption.  I  denounce  them  as  a 
blasphemy  against  God's  exceeding  and  eternal  love. 

'  Now,  I  ask  you,  where  would  bo  the  popular  teach- 
ings about  Hell,  if  we  calmly  and  deliberately  erased 
from  our  English  Bibles  the  three  words— damnation, 
Hell,  and  everlasting?  Yet  I  say,  unhesitatingly,— I 
say,  claiming  the  fullest  right  to  speak  with  the  author- 
ity of  knowledge,— I  say  with  the  calmest  and  most 
unflinching  sense  of  responsibility,— I  say,  standing 
hero  in  the  sight  of  God  and  of  my  Saviour,  and,  it  may 


SCENCES 


or  A  X'REAOIIKB. 


19» 


i  the  name  of  the  Lord, 
1  they  ever  kindled  against 
B  plulosopliera  blushing  in 
aeluded  scholars,  so  many 
)efore  the  tribunal,  not  of 

jxclaimed,  "  most  impious. 
1  by  the  so-called  servants 
!8  against  the  Deity." 
1  my  friend.  "  I  might  read 

the  mind  must  be  diseased 
benevolent  Being  could  be 

teachers  represent.  But, 
Jit  may  not  much  longer  be 
bute  to  the  Almighty  that 
eve  must  be  contrary  to  his 
)ther  preachers  have  to  say 
L'ment  and  forgiveness,  and 
e  of  retribution  so  eagerly 
^predicting  instructors  and 
3  an  extract  from  a  sermon 
he  Eev.  Dr.  Farrar,  Canon 

'  1  repudiate  these  creeds 
the  holy  and  awful  will  of 
i  mercilessly  ignorant.  I 
[1  against  Christ's  universal 
I  denounce  them  as  a 
ceeding  and  eternal  love, 
vould  bo  the  popular  teach- 
mly  and  deliberately  erased 
ae  three  words — damnation, 
et  I  say,  unhesitatingly,— I 
ht  to  speak  with  the  author- 
vith  the  calmest  and  most 
lonsibility,— I  say,  standing 
d  of  my  Saviour,  and,  it  may 


be,  of  the  angels  and  of  the  spirits  of  the  dead, — that 
not  one  cf  these  words  ought  lo  stand  any  longer  in  our 
English  Bibles;  and  that  being,  in  our  present  accepta- 
tion of  them,  simply  mistranslations,  they  most  unques- 
tionably will  not  stand  in  the  revised  version  of  tho 
Bible  if  the  revisers  have  understood  their  duty. 

'  An  arbitrary  infliction  of  burning  lormeut,  an  end- 
less agony,  a  material  hell  of  worm  and  flame,  a  doom 
lo  everlasting  sin,  and  all  this  with  no  prospect  of 
amendment,  with  no  hope  of  relief,  the  soul's  trans- 
gressions of  a  few  brief  hours  of  struggling,  tempted 
life,  followed  by  billions  of  millenniums  in  scorching 
lire,  and  all  this  meant  not  to  correct,  but  lo  harden; 
not  lo  amend,  but  to  torture  and  degrade — did  you 
believe  in  that  for  any  one  whom  you  have  ever  loved? 
Again,  I  say,  God  forbid! — again,  I  say,  I  fling  from 
me  with  abhorrence  such  a  creed  as  that.  Let  every 
Pharisee  gnash  his  teeth  if  he  will ;  let  every  dogmatist 
anathematize;  but  that  I  cannot  and  do  not  believe. 
Scripture  will  not  let  me;  my  conscience,  my  reason, 
my  faith  in  Christ,  the  voice  of  tho  spi.it  within  my 
soul,  will  not  let  me;  God  will  not  let  mel '  " 

What  a  wide  divergence  of  opinion  there  is  between 
these  two  preachers,  Spurgeon  and  Farrar,  on  a  subject 
which  is  said  to  be  so  momentous!  Both  are  dis- 
tinguished Protestant  ministers.*  Spurgeon  is  almost 
the  idol  of  his  congregation — particularly  of  the  female 
portion — and  is  known  all  over  the  world  as  the 
renowned  advocate  of  evangelical  truth.  Dr.  Fai-rar  is 
one  of  the  most  eminent  Canons  of  the  State  Church, 
and,  as  a  highly-educated  man,  vehemently  denounces 
the  libellous  teaching — libellous  against  the  Deity — of 
such  fatuous,  excited  enthusiasts  as  Spurgeon  and  others 
of  his  type.  If  Spurgeon  has  the  truth,  Farrar  must  be 
engulphod  in  errcr.    How  are  hearers  unskilled  in  theo- 


»  Itov.  Dr.  Farrar  has  lately  died. 


im 


BEMINISCKNCE8 


i! 


V 


lii 


! 


ill 


1  » 


lo<rical  subtlcUcslo  decide  who  is  right?  But  Dr.  Farrar 
iaiw  no  melius  alone  in  liis  opinions;  wo  have  a  host  of 
others  to  sustain  him.  Let  us  look  among  the  so-called 
Dissenters;  we  shall  take  one  as  noted  in  his  way  as 

Spuri'eon. 

-In°a  sermon  on  Hell  the  Rev.  Henry  Ward  Beechcr 
said:—"  The  doctrine  that  God  has  bean  for  a  thousand 
years  peopling  the  earth  withJiuman  beings,  during  a 
period  three-fourths  of  which  was  not  illuminated  by 
an  altar  or  a  church,  and  in  places  where  a  vast  popula- 
tion is  yet   without   that   sight,  is   to  transform  the 
Almi"hty  into  a   monster  more  hideous   than   Satan 
himself,  and  I  swear  by  all  that  is  sacred  that  I  will 
never  worship  Satan,  though  he  should  appear  in  royal 
robes  and  seated  on  the  throne  of  Jehovah.    Men  may 
say, '  You  will  not  go  to  Heaven.'    A  Heaven  presided 
over  by  such  a  demon  as  that,  who  has  been  peopling 
this  world  with  millions  of  human  beings  and  then 
sweeping  them  off  into  Hell,  not  like  dead  Hies,  but 
without"  taking   the    trouble  even  to  kill  them,  and 
gloating  and  laughing  over  their  misery,  is  not  such  a 
Heaven  as  I  want  to  go  to.  The  doctrine  is  too  horrible. 
I  cannot  believe  it,  and  I  won't.    They  say  the  saints 
in  Heaven  are  so  happy  that  they  do  not  mind  the 
torments  of  the  damned  in  Hell;  but  what  sort  of  samts 
must  they  be,  who  could  be  happy  while  looking  down 
on  the  horrors  of  the  bottomless  pit?  They  don't  mind— 
they're  safe,  they're  happy.    By  the  blood  of  Christ  I 
denounce  it;  by  the  wounds  in  His  hands  and  His  side 
1  abhor  it;   bv  His  groans  and  agony  I  abhor  and 
denounce  it  as  the  most  hideous  nightmare  of  theology!" 
These  arc  strong,  unmistakable  words  of  repudiation. 
We  have   others    equally   emphatic.     The  Rev.  Dr. 
Thomas,  a  Methodist  minister,  in  a  late  discourse  said: 
"  John  Wesley  believed  in    a   Hell  of  literal  lire  or 
material  fire.    He  says  there  is  no  such  thing  aa  imma- 


ISCKNCE8 


OF   A   PREACHER. 


201 


dio  is  right?  But  Dr.  Farrar 

opinions;  wo  have  a  host  of 

U9  look  among  the  so-called 

one  as  noted  in  his  way  as 

0  Rev.  Henry  Ward  Beecher 
God  has  bean  for  a  thousand 
wilh-human  beings,  during  a 
hich  was  not  illuminated  by 
ti  places  where  a  vast  popula- 

sight,  is  to  transform  the 
■  more  hideous   than   Satan 

all  that  is  sacred  that  I  will 
gb  he  should  appear  in  royal 
irone  of  Jehovah.  Men  may 
:caven.'    A  Heaven  presided 

that,  who  has  been  peopling 

of  human  beings  and  then 
Hell,  not  like  dead  Hies,  but 
ible  even  to  kill  them,  and 
,rcr  their  misery,  is  not  such  a 
.  The  doctrine  is  too  horrible. 
[  won't.  They  say  the  saints 
r  that  they  do  not  mind  the 

1  Hell;  but  what  sort  of  saints 
)e  happy  while  looking  down 
imless  pit?  They  don't  mind— 
[>y.  By  the  blood  of  Christ  I 
ids  in  His  hands  and  His  side 
ans  and  agony  I  abhor  and 
deous  nightmare  of  theology! " 
stakablc  words  of  repudiation. 
y  emphatic.  The  Rev.  Dr. 
Ulster,  in  a  late  discourse  said: 

in   a   Hell  of  literal  lire  or 
here  is  no  such  thing  as  imma- 


terial firo;  and  in  answer  to  the  objection  that  such  a 
mutorial  lire  would  destroy  any  body  on  which  it  niiglit 
act,  ho  says  that  God  has  mercifully  given  us  an  example 
that  such  is  not  the  case— in  the  asbestos,  a  kind  of  flax 
that  no  heat  could  consume.  And  then  he  says  that  if 
it  is  not  material  lire,  it  is  something  worse.  Such  a 
thought  makes  the  idea  of  God  impossible.  We  cannot, 
with  such  a  picture  before  us,  ns  milliots  of  his  children 
—those  whom  he  called  into  being— suffering  forever 
the  agonies  of  such  a  Hell,  think  of  him  as  God;  for 
to  think  of  any  being  less  than  absolute  perfection,  or 
that  might  be  beticr,  is  not  to  think  of  God  at  all.  If 
1  believed  such  a  doctrine  of  future  punishment;  if  I 
believed  that  millions  who  once  lived  here  were  in  such 
torments  and  must  stay  there  forever;  if  I  believed 
that  I  should  never  smile  iigain;  if  I  believed  it  I  could 
wish  that  I  had  never  been  born;  I  could  wish  the 
world  had  never  been  made;  that  mankind  bad  never 
been  created.  If  I  believed  that,  I  could  wish  that  the 
race  would  perish  from  the  earth;  that  star  after  star 
might  fade  out  till  the  heavens  were  only  blackness.  If 
I  believed  that,  I  could  wish  that  the  universe  might 
sink  into  nothingness,  and  that  God  himself  might  be 
annihilated.  I  don't  believe  it,  and  I  don't  see  how 
any  sensible  man  who  believes  in  God  can  believe  it." 

Many  other  such  rejections  are  now  almost  daily  pre- 
sented to  the  Christian  public,  and  already  synods, 
conferences,  and  convocations  are  busy  investigating 
charges  for  such  alleged  heterodox  teaching.  Turn 
where  we  will,  to  England,  Ireland,  Holland,  France, 
Germany,  or  America,  and  we  find  the  most  thoughtful 
clerical  minds,  heedless  of  consequences,  denouncing 
in  no  very  measured  terms  from  the  pulpit,  the  doctrine 
of  eternal  punishment  which  Canon  Farrar  and  otherb 
assert  is  nothing  but  "A  blasphemy  against  God's 
exceeding  and  eternal  love."  ,      _, 


Ill 


UQ2  UEM1NISCENCK8 

Looking  back  after  long  ycnra  at  the  V^\^^^^\^^^^ 
mental  effort  to  bdievo  a«  Wcsl.y  believed  as  Clarke 
Sv  .1  <u"l  as  a  majority  of  our  preachers  stjU  behcvc 
i  clnno tthiak that  amcrciful Deity  .leliberatcly  planned 
IIcll  to  take  vem^eance  on  those  who  knew  him  not. 
Afer  prlyi-l'  ^^^  doubt,  after  invoking  aid  for  a 
m^beS'of-airthat  was  in  the  written  Word,  lnm« 
hero  solemnly  avow  that  my  fervent  prayers  have  no 
Seen  answered,  that  that  belief  "^ver  eamc ;  ancUhat 

now  aged,  and  grav,  and  f  ^'^'•'^""t:;  '  ,^6  l^la 
doubter  As  a  preacher,  how.  shocked  I  have  Dcca 
whtnading  denunciatory  texts  which  were  most  repul- 
Tivo  to  me  as  a  human  being;  and,  when  standmgbe  ore 
Xhow  manv  times  I  have  blushed  at  giving  re  uctant 
utt'eraiTce  to  What  are  now  proclaimed  as  being  blasphe- 

■"SlkTl^c^Itions  of  religion-Ohl  how  many 
to  my   knowledge,  have    been   robbed  of  hope,  how 
ma^y'have  beenleft  raving,  melancholy  maniacs  how 
many  have  been  driven  to  suicide  "-lor^^«  ^f "  ^^'^ 
Tat  they  had  committed  some  "  unpardomvb  e  sin, 
tha  God  had  turned  his  face  from  them,  and  that  the 
Holy  Si'rit  had  taken  his  flight,  leaving  them  only  the 
doom  of  eternal  perdition!    These,  alas!  are  not  Im^- 
fna^  cases    but  aie  such  as  still  exist  with  terriblo 
TvSnessIn  my  memory.    With  the  sad  knowledge 
have  had  of  the  results  in  many  instances  of  the  thicats 
of  eternal  punishment,  how  could  ^^^^^^^'^ 
tanttoread  or  comment  on  denunciatory  texts?    How 
could  I  reverently  or  truly  ask  a  congregation  to  sing  to 
?he  '!  praise  and  gloiy  of  God  "  any  hymn  to  be  sung  m 
a  dolorous  strain,  and  commencing  as  follows .  - 

<•  ThB  creat  nreliangels"  trump  shall  sound, 
( VNC^twT.'e  ten  thousand  thunders  roar.) 
Tear  np  the  Kraves  and  cleave  the  ground, 
,  ;  To  make  the  greedy  soa  restore. 


m 


9CENCK8 

cnrs  at  the  past,  nfler  every 
Wcsloy  believed,  as  Clarke 
f  our  preachers  still  believe, 
il  Deity  tleliberatcly  plauucd 
u  those  who  knew  him  not. 
bt,  after  invoking  aid  for  a 
in  the  written  Word,  1  must 
my  fervent  prayers  have  not 
belief  never  came;  and  that 
superannuated,  I  am  still  a 
how,  shocked  I  have  been 
texts  which  were  most  repul- 
r;  and,  when  standing  before 
'e  blushed  at  giving  reluctant 
proclaimed  as  being  blasphe- 

of  religion— Oh!  how  many, 
been  robbed  of  hope,  how 
g,  melancholy  maniacs,  how 
,0  suicide  under  the  delusion 

some  "  unpardonable  sin," 
face  from  them,  and  that  the 

flight,  leaving  them  only  the 
I  These,  alas!  are  not  Imag- 
h  as  still  exist  with  terrible 
T.  With  the  sad  knowledge  I 
many  instances  of  the  threats 
ow  could  I  be  else  than  reluc- 
on  denunciatory  texts?  How 
,'  ask  a  congregation  to  sing  to 
God  "  any  hymn  to  be  sung  in 
imcncing  as  follows!— 

!s'  trump  shall  soniiii, 
thousaiKl  thunders  roar,) 
and  cleavo  the  ground, 
dy  soa  restore. 


OF  A  PUKACIIKU.  203 

*'  The  greedy  sea  shall  yield  her  dead, 
The  earth  no  more  her  slain  ciinueal ; 
aiiiiurn  KhiiU/ij't  t/nir  j/iiillj/  /i<i((l, 
Aiidnhriuk  to  gee  u  yawniiin  Hell. 

"  Ha  while  the  stars  from  Heaven  fall, 

And  nioiintalns  are  on  mountains  hurl'd. 
Shall  stand  unmoved  amidst  them  all, 
Aud  smile  to  see  a  buruiui;  world." 

The  revised  New  Testament  has  just  made  its  appear- 
ance. Many  had  hoped  that  the  maleticient  doctrines 
relating  to  a  personal  Devil,  to  a  Hell,  to  a  bottomless 
pit,  to  a  lake  of  fire  and  brimstone,  aud  to  a  furnace  of 
fire,  would  have  been  so  euphemised  as  to  amount 
almost  to  their  rejection;  but,  with  slight  modifications, 
they  are  still  retained.  Fanatical  priests  have  yet  their 
God  of  vengeance,  and  such  preachers  as  Spurgeou 
have  been  left  their  gloomy  Gehenna  so  as  they  may 
still  be  able  to  hear  "  the  scream  of  tortured  ghosts." 
The  majority  of  pulpiteers  will  as  yet  favor  no  progress 
in  theology.  like  the  Church  of  Home,  they  will  make 
no  admission  and  deny  the  possibility  of  improvement. 
But  even  among  the  clericals  dissatisfaction  still  exists. 
Mauy  of  them  now  tell  us  that  the  Revision  needs 
revision.  This  continued  disagreement  among  the  or- 
dained will  not  lessen  the  doubts  of  sceptics  as  to  the 
validity  of  Revelation.  We  shall  still  have  a  Babel  of 
opinions  respecting  the  meaning  or  the  authenticity  of 
disputed  texts. 


•^ 


204 


BKMINI8CENCE8 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 


I 


WOLVES  IN  SHEEP'S  CLOTHING. 

Wlien  we  reflect  on  how  short  a  time  we  remain  in 
this  world,  and  on  the  ignorance  and  fallibility  of  human 
beings  in  general,  it  is  the  part  of  discretion  that  man 
should  be  humble  instead  of  ostentatiously  boastful  of 
the  little  knowledge  he  may  have  acquired  beyond  that 
possessed  by  others.  Our  greatest  mental  accumulations 
are  at  least  but  comparative  poverty.    All  iVhich  the 
most  learned  know,  compared  with  that  which  is  beyond 
the  constant  study  of  a  lifetime,  is  as  but  the  germ 
when  contrasted  with  the  full  growth  of  the  towering 
tree;  a  poor  incentive  to  encourage  the  spirit  of  pedantry 
and  dogmatism  which  is  far  too  prevalent.    A  man  of 
good   sense  will    therefore  perceive    that  though  the 
torch  which  he  bears  may  spread  the  light  a  little  fuither 
around  than  those  borne  by  others,  yet  he  may  be  only 
better  enabled  to  discover   the  dim   outlines  of   the 
Unknown  and  the  vast  magnitude  of  distant  objects 
which  may  never  be  more  clearly  revealed.    Were  wo 
permitted  to  continue  a  plodding  progress  towards  youth 
for  even  more  than  a  century,  we  would  find  at  the  end 
of  the  period  how  little  we  still  knew,  and  how  much 
we  had  to  unlearn;  we  should  discover  that  we  had  also 
hoarded  up  many  glittering  counterfeits  which  required 
to  be  stamped  as  spurious  and  fl,'ing  aside. 

When  we  listen  to  the  suggestions  of  Prejudice,  we 
are  deaf  to  the  voice  of  Truth.  The  most  prejudiced 
and  assuming  persons  1  have  ever  met  with  have  been 
some  of  the  most  religious.    Those  who  are  wrapped  in 


CENCES 


OF  A    FltKACIIKB. 


206 


XXIV. 


P'S  CLOTHING. 


short  a  time  we  remain  in 
ice  and  fallibility  of  human 
part  of  discretion  that  man 
'  ostentatiously  boastful  of 
have  acquired  beyond  that 
atcst  mental  accumulations 
fc  poverty.  All  AVhich  the 
a  with  that  which  is  beyond 
'etime,  is  as  but  the  germ 
Cull  growth  of  the  towering 
mrage  the  spirit  of  pedantry 
,r  too  prevalent.  A  man  of 
perceive  that  though  the 
read  the  light  a  little  fui-ther 
others,  yet  he  may  be  only 

the  dim  outlines  of  the 
ignitude  of  distant  objects 
clearly  revealed.  Were  we 
ding  progress  towards  youth 
:y,  we  would  find  at  the  end 
3  still  knew,  and  how  much 
lid  discover  that  we  had  also 
counterfeits  which  required 
ud  fl,'ing  aside, 
uggestions  of  Prejudice,  we 
:ruth.  The  most  prejudiced 
wo  ever  met  with  have  been 

Those  who  are  wrapped  iu 


the  tawdry  mantle  of  self-sufllciency  affect  to  regard  the 
modest  apparel  of  others  as  being  rent,  patched,  and 
threadbare.  Some  religious  teachers  imagine  that  they 
are  gifted  with  a  most  penetrating  discernment,  nnd 
arc  too  ready  to  attribute  improper  motives  to  those 
who  object  to  their  dictation,  and  to  see  moral  obliqui- 
ties whore  none  exist.  It  is  said  that  the  hood  of  a 
monk  covers  the  head  of  many  a  sinner,  and  as  I  have 
had  much  reason  to  be  disgusted  with  pretension,  I  now 
feci  that  it  is  my  duty  to  speak  against  a  class  of  men — 
a  class  to  which  I  but  lately  belonged — who  seem  to 
have  inherited  that  particular  fraility  in  its  most  offen- 
sive form.  It  has  to  be  admitted  that  the  prefix  of 
"  lleverend  " — a  vain  but  coveted  title— has  gained  a 
certain  share  of  respect  for  many  an  ignoble  mind,  for 
many  a  feeble  intellect;  and  for  many  a  garrulous, 
conceited  dunce  who  might  otherwise  be  treated  with 
contempt.  A  long  intercourse  with  the  clergy  of  nearly 
all  denominations  has  convinced  me  of  this.  I  have 
already  alluded  to  the  assumption,  the  bigotry,  the  dog- 
matism, the  obstinacy,  and  the  intolerance  of  reputed 
religious  people  among  whom  I  have  found  preachers, 
or  so-called  clerical  men,  to  be  the  most  willful  and 
incorrigible. 

Claiming  to  have  a  full  knowledge  of  what  I  write,  I 
assert  that  there  is  far  too  much  deference  paid. to  the 
clergy.  They  are  a  pampered  class,  receiving  in  many 
ways  far  too  much  respect  and  consideration  from  their 
licarers,  especially  too  much  flattery  and  attention  from 
Christian  women.  What  I  say  is  in  the  interest  of 
truth.  I  have  no  motive  in  maligning  any  human 
being;  but  I  do  now  deliberately  declare  that  while 
many  ministers  of  the  gospel  are  excellent  and  liberal 
men, — even  in  spite  of  their  theological  training, — the 
majority  of  such  as  I  have  known  have  been  self-willed, 
wrong-headed  men,  generally  conservative  in  notion, 


206 


UKMIN18CKNCK8 


ii! 


i!   !!: 


and  in  many  respects  obstructive  t,o  progress,  religions, 
Bocliil,  and  intellectuivl;  untl  I  furlherinorc  holtl  and 
maintain  that  were  it  not  for  the  priests  of  nil  denomi- 
nations, Christian  as  well  as  Mahometan  and  Pagan, 
pure  and  undolUed  religion  In  Its  best  sense  would  bo 
more  acceptable,  numerous  wrongs  would   have  been 
righted,— they  might  have   never  existed,— numerous 
woes  might  have  been  spared,  and  the  millions  of  tho 
human  race  who  have  passed  away,  and  the  millions 
who  are  still  sulTerlng  from  the  existence  of  unjust  imd 
oppressive  law:?,  would  most  probably  have  found  this 
fair  world  a  paradise  Instead  of  what  It  Is  and  has  been, 
to  the  great  majority,  a  pandemonium.    Tho  priests  in 
all  ages  have  been  subservient  to  power  in  order  to  bo 
favored  by  those  in   authority,  despots  or  otherwise. 
No  class  of  men  have  been  more  governed  by  motives 
of  cupidity,  or  have  been  more  voracious  for  wealth, 
power,  and  distinction.    In   every    period    tyrannical 
rulers  have  found  Ihelr  most  trusty  allies  or  subservient 
tools  In  a  well-paid  priesthood;  their  Influence  In  every 
part  of  the  world  has  been  mostly  on  the  side  of  despotic 
power. 

Let  judgment  be  Impartial,  and  you  will  find  even 
at  the  present  day  that  eveiy  rtdiglous  or  political 
tyrant  or  usurper— king,  queen,  kaiser,  or  pope— has 
the  clergy  at  command.  Let  a  mandate  be  Issued  to- 
morrow, no  matter  how  oppressive  or  atrocious,  and 
you  win  find  the  majority  of  the  clergy  recommending 
obedience  to  rulers.  The  Czar  of  Russia,  the  Pope  of 
Rome,  or  the  Queen  of  England,  has  but  to  stamp  the 
foot  to  set  bells  ringing  and  priests  praying  in  support 
of  "  lawful  authority,"  and  whenever  any  number  of 
the  ordained  have  been  found  opposing  the  views  of  a 
despotic  ruler,  It  has  generally  been  because  the  tyrant 
or  dictator  has  favored  some  opposing  religious  sect. 
Ask  all  history  for  the  proof  of  this.    These  strong 


V 


NlSCKNtKS 

ructivc  to  progress,  rcllgionB, 
mil  I  furlhorinorc  hold  and 
for  tho  priests  of  nil  denonii- 

as  Mahometan  and  Pagan, 
n  in  its  best  sense  would  bo 
lis  wrongs  would  have  been 
?o  never  existed,— numerous 
ircd,  and  the  millions  of  tho 
issed  away,  and  the  millions 
n  the  existence  of  unjust  nnd 
lost  probably  have  found  this 
ad  of  what  it  is  and  has  been, 
indemoniura.  The  priests  in 
kfient  to  power  in  order  to  be 
dority,  despots  or  otherwise, 
lu  more  governed  by  motives 
1  more  voraeious  for  wealth. 

In  every  period  tyrannical 
lOst  trusty  allies  or  subservient 
hood;  their  influence  in  every 
1  mostly  on  tho  side  of  despotic 

artial,  and  you  will  find  even 
eveiy  rtdigious    or   political 
,  queen,  kaiser,  or  pope— has 
Let  a  mandate  be  issued  to- 
oppressive  or  atrocious,  and 
^  of  the  clergy  recommending 
3  Czar  of  Russia,  the  Pope  of 
England,  has  but  to  stamp  the 
,nd  priests  praying  in  support 
ind  whenever  any  number  of 
found  opposing  the  views  of  a 
erally  been  because  the  tyrant 
some  opposing  religious  sect, 
proof  of  this.    These  strong 


OF   A    rUEAl'lIKK. 


asHortlons,  from  one  who  but  a  few  yoars  back  was  a 
pniicher  liimsi'lf,  may  stiuile  ihe  reader,  but  Ihouijh 
lute  in  lH'e,  I  iii.i  n')W  free  to  speak,  and  cannot  suppress 
my  strong  eouvietions;  and  I  say,  let  any  impartial 
man  read,  or  re-read,  the  history  of  tho  world,  and  I 
claim,  without  the  least  fear  of  successful  contradiction, 
tliat  he  will  bo  able  to  trace  most  or  many  of  the 
greatest  misfortunes  of  any  particular  country  to  tho 
machinations  directly  or  indirectly  of  its  priesthood. 

Without  reverting  to  the  degenerating  sway  of  the 
priests  of  ancient  Pagan  times,  let  us  jjuss  over  cen- 
turies of  misrule  and  turbuhmce  resulting  from  conflicts 
between  Christianity  and  the  ancient  faiths,  and  glance 
at  what  maybe  charged  against  Christian  teachers  since 
the  establishment  of  Christianity  in  Europe;  also,  let  it 
never  be  forgotten  that  Constantino,  so  called  "  tho 
tJreat," — a  monster  who  was  the  murderer  of  his  wife 
Fausta,  of  his  son  Crispus,  and  of  other  relatives  and 
persona, — was  the  tirst  who  was  mainly  instrumental  in 
causing  Christianity  to  supplant  the  aucioul  Pagan 
lloman  faith.  lie  patronized  the  new  religion  not 
because  he  had  any  sincere  convictions  in  its  favor,  but 
because  by  the  teaching  of  Christian  priests  of  submis- 
sion to  those  in  authority,  he  could  the  more  easily  rule 
and  subdue  tho  people  whom  he  wished  to  govern. 
This  unscrupulous  man  was,  it  is  said,  the  flrst  who 
cast  the  religion  of  Christ  to  the  "  unhallowed  embraces 
of  the  State,"  and  all  for  the  accomplishment  of  his 
own  bad  purposes;  and  since  that  time  Christian  priests 
have  undoubtedly  been  more  ready  to  obey  tlie  behests 
and  accept  the  patronage  of  similar  rulers  in  every 
quarter  of  the  world. 

We  have  undoubted  proof  that  it  was  liy  the  f.inati- 
cisin  and  urgency  of  Christian  priests  that  the  crusades 
were  commenced  and  followed  up  until  untold  treasure 
had  been  lavished,  millions  of  lives  sacriflced,  and  all 


: 


iPi 


i 


BKMINIIKKNCIM 

opposition  f"-"™  ^^^^  !;''';^^;     pui  it  fulmlnations  Imvo 

oHho  theological  despot  should  bring  them  to  a  temblo 
Ikon^nr  or  their  during  but  bencllcial  innovaUons 

IMelts,  while  professing  to  preach  peace    have,  m 
BulTer^tcnly  to  tLsc  who  rule,  sot  man  agamst  man 
and  roihavc  shouted  as  lustily  in  favor  of  war  ^^^^ 
Sespot  or  politician  who  keeps  far  « ^om  the  fleld  of 
aespoi  or  p  ^^^j    advocates  for 

3  ng  pe-nal'sJa^^^^  they  are  stUl  the^voeates 

o  mental  bondage,  denouncing  free  though  and     ce 

„.i.  wl,..rp  theology  is  concerned,  and  still  plotting 

Kl«tJo.ultl«al  pri..U  Te  uowmoro  dangerous 


IIJ 


ISCENCK* 

commotion  for  nearly  two 
tho  CIIU80  of  Innumerable 
ulnivry  conlUctu-,    they  have 
blUhed  tho  InciuUlllon,  and 
'8  of  porHOcutlon  to  bo  Bprend 
llncc  tho  Ucfornmtlon,  Pro- 
extent  of  their  power  proved 
[nercUcHH  theological  tyrants 
to  so  vlgorouHly  denounced. 
Franco,  and  other  countries, 
8  to  tho  truth  of  this.  Among 
s  scarcely  a  cessation  of  tho 
80  priests,  wishing  to  govern, 
ippcar  truth  to  their  narrow 
It  any  price;  and  where  do- 
ro  concerned,  they  aro  most 
icthods  to  gain  an  advixntage. 
.1,  moral,  political,  or  religious 
imo  popular,  at  llrst  met  with 
V?    Instances  of  this  kind  aro 
wn.    Pulpit  fulminations  have 
88  in  diffcront  directions,  and 
in  advance  of  their  time  have 
do  their  talent,  lest  tho  hand 
should  bring  them  to  a  terrible 
,g  but  beneflclal  innovations, 
ing  to  preach  peace,  have,  in 
10  rule,  set  man  against  man, 
8  lustily  in  favor  of  war  as  tho 
0  keeps  far  from  tho  field  of 
vero  once  ready  advocates  for 
^ry,  they  are  still  the  advocates 
juncing  free  thought  and  free 
is  concerned,  and  still  plotlmg 
sement    of    the   human   mind. 
lieste  are  now  more  dangerous 


or  A  PRKAi  HER, 


900 


to  tho  community  than  tho  scattcrod  membtTs  of  tho 
genuine  old  brood  itself.  Th'  niachlnatiiins  of  (ho 
hitter  arc  known  and  guanU'd  iiijuinst,  the  arts  and 
subtlety  of  the  former  aro  as  yet  coiiiiuinitlvcly  un- 
suspected. For  craft,  meanness,  intolerunet',  and 
despicable  shifts  and  stratagems,  our  I'rotcBtant  cleri- 
cal despots  arc  fully  equal  to  their  brothers  of  Homo. 
Take  up  any  evangelical  paper  or  magazine,  and  sec 
the  unscrupulous  way  that  clerical  editors  or  religious 
writers  slander  and  misrepresent  their  heterodox  oppo- 
nents. Tho  leading  thinkers  and  reformers  of  the  day, 
who  aro  generally  denounced  as  sceptics,  aro  too  often 
most  shamefully  maligned.  Is  this  the  way  to  raako 
Christianity  attractive  to  those  who  conscientiously 
doubt  It*  claims?  From  what  we  repeatedly  seo  and 
hear  of  tho  Intolerance  of  clerical  bigots.  It  Is  evident 
that  they  only  want  an  opportunity  to  recommence 
persecution.  Indeed,  the  bitterness  of  sect  against  sect 
at  times  is  a  very  strong  proof  of  the  latent  disposition 
for  Intolerance  even  among  Christians  towards  one 
another;  how  much  more  strongly  do  wo  llud  this 
exhibited  in  denunciations  of  tho  heterodox!  A  thou- 
sand cases  could  bo  detailed  of  how  Catholics  have 
execrated  Protestants,  and  Protestants  Catholics,  and 
then  how  both  have  co-operated  in  the  persecution  of 
Jews.  Wo  know  how  our  State  Church  has  proscribed 
Dissenters;  how  these  have  striven  among  themselves, 
and  how  again  all  have  united  in  a  hue  and  cry  against 
tho  sceptic  and  unbeliever.  A  few  late  instances  of 
the  manifestation  of  Intolerance  and  Intense  bigotry  by 
religious  teachers  can  here  bo  given: — 

Father  Ilyacinthe,  or  Pero  Ilyaclnthe,  as  he  is  more 
generally  known,  is  an  eminent  French  Catholic  priest, 
who  has  claimed  and  taken  more  liberty  than  the 
Catholic  Church  generally  allows  to  its  clergymen,  and 
for  this  he  has  been  greatly  maligned  by  strict  sub- 


I  !l' 


IP  111 


ill  i  ii 


2JQ  REMINISCENCES 

man,  thus  .addressed  his  oning  brothor.- 
^       u  St.  Thomas  of  Canterbury,  St.  Leonard-on-the-Sea. 

""A.Tprie.l  ot  the  Holy  Boman  Church,  C.lholi« 
7„riMo,s.h»i»,.ioeo,0»IU,at.P»^^^^^ 

srTorrra-u-r.™::  .„cuL«.ca„t„ 

ChuS  whUicJiudgm.nl  .hall  publicly  jusUf, 
ST^oinatlon  »t  all  apctate.,  even  one  ,0  m- 
.iguUicant  a.  you.^^^  B,.v.  Alex.  Hen-v." 

What  a  doleelable  in.tanoe  o(  the  "brnty  and  '»r 
be«ancc  .till  e:tisllng  even  among  pne.u  of  the  gtea 

1  he  -A'lienc  Holiness  is  made  to  say 

rrntSTtht I  oSht  I  .uhnatto  the  clvU  po.e, 


'-^-t»«»««»i»9*i«f*«>'rt>***»''***^^ 


NI8CENCE8 

he  Rev.  A.lexander  Henry,  an 
Ad  to  be  even  a  very  estimable 
ning  brotbor;  — 
bury,  St.  Leonard-on-the-Sea. 
ly  Father  Hyacinthe:— 
<  would  be  to  say  nothing  new, 
.rof  all  such  aroslates,  was  a 
•.    To  call  you  a  conspirator 
i"e  your  proper  aspirations.    To 
aid  be  only  to  apply  to  you  an 
10  have  opposed  the  faith.    I 
3  your  proper  character  as  a 
.  you  damned!    By  this  title  1 

Holy  Roman  Church,  Catholic 
rience  a  supreme  pleasure  m 
ath  and  of  the  last  judgment, 
:1  collaborators  of  the  Esperance 
pit  and  its  torments  foreverl 
existence  of  such  apostates  as 
of  God  that  it  provides  a  hell. 
i  in  this  world  will  probably  be 
elivered  from  such  miscreants, 
L'ou  think. 

lory  it  will  be  for  the  Christian 
judgment  shall  publicly  justify 
all  apostates,  even  one  so  in- 

Rev.  Alex.  Henry." 
instance  of  the  charity  and  f  or- 
;  even  among  priests  of  the  great 
:;hurchl 

slant  quotes  Archbishop  Manning 
,pe.  His  Holiness  is  made  to  say : 
ught  to  submit  to  the  civil  power. 


OF  A  preacher. 


m 


that  I  am  the  subject  of  the  King  of  Italy I  say 

I  am  liberated  from  all  subjection,  that  my  Lord  made 
me  the  subject  of  no  one  on  eanii,  king  or  otherwise, 
that  in  his  right  I  am  sovereign.  I  acknowledge  no 
civil  superior,  I  am  the  subject  of  no  prince,  and  I  claim 
to  be  more  than  this — I  claim  to  be  the  supreme  Judge 
and  director  of  the  consciences  of  men — of  the  peasant 
that  tills  the  field,  and  the  prince  that  sits  on  the 
throne— of  the  household  that  lives  in  the  shade  of 
privacy,  and  the  Legislature  that  makes  laws  for  king- 
doms— I  am  the  last  supreme  Judge  of  what  is  right 
and  wrong."  There,  that  is  one  specimen  of  what 
priestly  arrogance  can  claim  even  in  these  modern  days  1 
In  a  number  of  a  Catholic  religious  paper,  entitled 
the  "  Shepherd  of  the  Valley,"  published  at  St.  Louis, 
in  the  United  States,  Archbishop  Kendrick  gives  us  a 
declaration  as  to  how  his  church  would  deal  again  with 
heretics  if  its  infamous  power  were  restored — danger- 
ously pampered  as  it  is  by  American  politicians.  "  The 
church  tolerates  heretics  but  hates  them  mortally,  and 
employs  all  her  force  to  secure  their  annihilation.  When 
the  Catholics  shall  here  be  in  possession  of  a  considerable 
majority,  which  will  certainly  be  the  case  bye-and-bye, 
although  the  time  may  be  long  deferred — then  religious 
liberty  will  have  come  to  an  end  in  the  Republic  of  the 
United  States.  Our  enemies  say  this  and  we  believe 
with  them.  Our  enemies  know  that  we  do  not  pretend 
to  be  better  than  our  church,  and,  in  wliat  concerns 
this,  her  history  is  open  to  the  eyes  of  all.  They  know, 
then,  how  the  Roman  Church  dealt  with  heretics  in  the 
Middle  Ages,  and  how  she  deals  with  them  to-day 
everywhere  where  she  has  the  power.  We  no  more 
think  of  denying  these  historical  facts,  than  we  do  of 
blaming  the  saints  of  God,  and  the  princes  of  the 
church  for  what  they  have  done  or  approved  in  these 
matters. 


2^2  *  BEMINISCENCE8 

u  Heresy  19  a  mortal  sin;  it  kills  1  he  soul  and  precipi- 
tates tl.e  Jhole  soul  into  llcll.  It  i«^-77-' ^^J* 
contagious  disease,  and  propagates  itself  .^^'^fi^^^ely 
XeSVer  it  has  got  foothold,  and  thus  puts  in  jeopardy 
The  emporal  and  moral  welfare  of  innumerable  gener- 
'^fonsTeome.  This  is  the  reason  why  prmees  -J^^ 
rhristian    extirpate  heresy,  root  and  branch,  in  tjie  r 

kin  do-'  -*!  ^^^^  ^^^•^^"'^'^  'Sr/f  f  Tf'we  n^w 
Territories,  as  far  as  they  are  able  to  do  it.    If  we  now 

absta  n  rom  persecuting  heretics  here,  we  boldly jepe^t 
Tit  8  b  cause  we  are  too  weak,aud  because  we  beheve 
that  n  this  condition  of  things,  wc  should,  in  attempt- 
nf  to  do  it,  do  the  church  more  harm  than  good." 
.      'Though   this  is  truly  a  dreadful  confession   from 
Arehblshop  Kendrick,  he  cannot  in  fairness  be   « 
down  as  a  Jesuit,  for  he  speaks  out  too  plainly  for  that 
and  though  he  intimates  that  his  church  would  not 
Jhkik  of   denying  the  historical  facts  relat  ng  to  its 
tndish  cruelly  towards  heretics  in  the  Middle  Ages 
wo  know  t™o  well  that  his  church  has  virtually  denied 
r«^  and  has  vainly  tried  to  shift  the  responsibility  for 
ralr^ircrmLd  by  the  "  Holy  Inou^Uo^'^  on 

Cpo-rXt  anoThlr  effort  there  would  be  towards 
cxterinat^onl  Here  we  see  an  Archbishop^  w^^^^^^^ 
hi«  allesred  gifts,  graces,  and  piety,  foaming  like  a 
chainXer  an;ious  to  plunge  its  extended  jaws  in 

'TsTwould  require  volumes  to  set  down  the  fulmi- 
naUons  aid  atrocities  that  Christianity  in  the  shape  o 
Rornism  has  committed,  we  shall  turn  and  gUnee  at 
U^o  "tmTy  Christian  spirit"  which  has  incited  Pro- 
testants not  only  to  retaliate  on  Catholics  but  on  one 
,Tr  and  which  has  urged  them  even  in  conjunction 
^i^i  the  Pt  Sou,  to^tempt  by  cruel  and  unscru- 


<tiwi»fiw7iffiW'T'^'*"'*«'w«"- 


CENCE8 

L  kills  Ihe  aoul  and  precipl- 
1.  It  is,  moreover,  a  most 
pagates  itself  indefinitely 
and  thus  puts  in  jeopardy 
ire  of  innumerable  gencr- 
5  reason  why  princes,  truly 

root  and  branch,  in  their 
1  Slates  drive  it  out  of  their 
e  able  to  do  it.  If  we  now 
•ctics  here,  we  boldly  repeat 
oak,  and  because  we  believe 
ngs,  we  should,  in  attempt- 
io°e  harm  than  good." 

dreadful  confession   from 
cannot  in  fairness  be    set 
aks  out  too  plainly  for  that; 
that  his  church  would  not 
torical  facts  relating  to  its 
leretics  in  the  Middle  Ages, 
church  has  virtually  denied 
Lo  shift  the  responsibility  for 
r  the  "  Holy  Inquisition  "  on 
en  save  us  from  the  rule  of 
Ihristian,"  in  his  sense;  had 
jffort  there  would  be  towards 
sec  an  Archbishop,  with  all 
,  and  piety,  foaming  like  a 

plunge  its  extended  jaws  in 

3lumes  to  set  down  the  fulml- 
Christianity  in  the  shape  of 
,  we  shall  turn  and  glance  at 
rit"  which  has  incited  Pro- 
lUato  on  Catholics  but  on  one 
rged  them  even  in  conjunction 
attempt  by  cruel  and  unscru- 


OF  A  PREACHER. 


213 


pulous  means  the  annihilation  of  unbelievers.  That 
the  "  truly  Christian  spirit  "  is  still  actively  working, 
can  bo  illustrated  by  even  a  few  of  the  utterauces  of 
Protestant  priests  of  the  most  evangelical  type. 

The  leading  exponents  of  reformed  Christianity  tell 
ua  that  the  Pope  is  "  Antichrist,"  "  The  Man  of  Sin," 
and  that  the  Catholic  religion  is  but  a  "degrading 
superstition."  Thousands  of  Catholics  have  had  to 
forfeit  their  lives,  and  still  many  more  thousands  of 
them  have  had  to  flee  in  terror  from  the  "  truly  Christian 
spirit,"  —  the  pious  vengeance  —  of  persecuting  Pro- 
testants. Then  as  to  the  same  spirit  which  has  actuated 
"  ministers  of  God  "  in  other  directions,  let  us  give  a 
few  of  the  latest  instances.  The  Rev.  Dr.  Joseph 
Cummings,  President  of  the  Wesleyan  University  of 
Middleton,  (Conn.,)  in  the  United  States,  at  a 
public  meeting  of  the  National  Christian  Association, 
is  reported  to  have  said, — "  Some  Infidels,  relying  on 
the  negative  character  of  the  Constitution  of  the 
country,  have  set  up  a  claim  to  the  right  of  protection 
in  their  behalf.  I  emphatically  deny  their  right  to 
protection.  No  man  has  any  right  to  be  an  Infidel,  no 
Infidel  has  any  protection  in  the  expression  of  his 
sentiments.  If  he  attempts  to  propagate  any  ideas 
tending  to  subvert  society — that  is.  Christian  society — 
he  ought  to  be  crushed  like  a  viper."  Good  lack!  what 
a  mercy  it  is  that  this  contemptible  man  has  not 
sufiicient  power  to  execute  his  will  over  those  who 
cannot  believe  in  his  religion!  Little  more  than  half  a 
century  ago,  the  Methodists,  or  Banters,  or  Twaddlers, 
as  they  were  ignominiously  called  by  the  Reverends  or 
Lordly  Right  Reverends  of  the  Established  Church, 
were  but  a  pitiful  sect,  and  their  illiterate  preachers, 
scoffed  and  laughed  at  by  a  jeering  populace,  were  very 
ready  to  preach  and  claim  toleration  of  honest  con- 
victions.   But  now  since  "  our  beloved  Wesleyanism  " 


ha 


214 


RKM1NISCKNCK9 


has  become  popular  and  wealthy,  many  oi  its  Reverend 
"Doctors"  and  -  rrofcsBoi^"  pulTtd  ^vlth  piety  and 
Bclf-importauce,  would  deny  that  natural  n^ht  and 
exhibiU/.ctr  -  truly  Christian  spirit  by  crushmg  as  a 
viper  the  man  of  heterodox  opinions. 

A  specimen  of  Protestant  Jesuitism  unsurpacsed  for 
meaniess  was  lately  given  in  New  York  l>y  a  very 
prominent  clergyman.    A  meeting  of  a  S"-^'^  yj    J^^^^ 
be  for  the  suppression  of  vice  and  immora  publications 
was  lately  held  in  that  city.    A  noted  and  unprmcip  ed 
acrcnt  of  that  junto  was  in  the  habit  of  resorting  to  very 
d^creditable  artifices  for  the  i^urpose  of   o"trapping 
suspected  persons,  and  in  pursuit  of  his  prey  he  actually 
visited  a  house  of  ill-fame  and  induced  the  female  oc«u- 
pantsto  exhibit  themselves  in  amide  state   to   him 
and  others;  he  sent  decoy  letters  lo  parties  supposed  to 
be  engaged  in  the  sale  of  books  alleged  to  be  of  indecent 
character.    The  treacherous  mode  which  he  adopted, 
and  which  it  appears  had  the  sanction  of  his  pious 
employers  in  order  to  secure  the  conviction  of  certain 
parties,  was  condemned  by  the  press,  and  many  out- 
spoken  comments  were    made  by  highly  respectable 
persons  against  a  method  so  plainly  dishonorable     The 
Eev.  Dr.  Howard  Crosby,  LL.  D.,  then  Chancellor  of 
the  University  of  New  York,  attended  that  meeting, 
and,  as  reported,  spoke  as  follows  in  favor  of   the 
deceptive  conduct  of  the  unscrupulous  .letective:- 

"  Deceiving  them!  I  tell  you,  gentlemen,  I  believe 
in  deceit.  I  believe  in  deceit  whenever  you  have  got  a 
ri..htful  enemy  to  destroy.  Could  you  carry  on  a  war 
without  deceit?  Are  you  going  to  tell  your  enemy 
eveiTthing  you  are  going  to  do?  Whenever  you  have  a 
rightful  enemy,  and  have  a  right  under  God  to  destroy 
him,  you  have  a  right  to  deceive  him." 

IIow  acceptable  these  words  will  be  to  the  followers 
of  Loyolal    Chancellor  Crosby  is  evidently  in  the  wrong 


•KNCKS 


OF  A   PREACIIKU. 


2ir) 


:hy,  many  oi  its  Reverend 
9.;'  pulTiil  wilh  piety  ami 
'    that    natural  right  and 

spirit"  by  crushing  as  a 
pinions. 
Jesuitism  unsurpassed  for 

in  New  York  by  a  very 
icting  of  a  Society,  said  to 

and  immoral  publications, 
A  noted  and  unprincipled 
e  habit  of  resorting  to  very 
ic  lurpose  of  entrapping 
rsuit  of  his  prey  he  actually 
id  induced  the  female  oc«u- 

in  a  nude  slate  to  him 
iters  lo  parties  supposed  to 
iks  alleged  to  be  of  indecent 
i  mode  which  he  adopted, 

the  sanction  of  his  pious 
re  the  conviction  of  certain 
f  the  press,  and  many  out- 
bade by  highly  respectable 

plainly  dishonorable.  The 
LL.  D.,  then  Chancellor  of 
)rk,  attended  that  meeting, 
s  follows  in  favor  of  the 
iscrupulous  detective:— 
1  you,  gentlemen,  I  believe 
eit  whenever  you  have  got  a 
Could  you  carry  on  a  war 

going   to  tell  your  enemy 
>do?    Whenever  you  have  a 

right  under  God  to  destroy 
ccive  him." 

rds  will  be  to  the  followers 
sby  is  evidently  in  the  wrong 


place.  His  moral  ideas  fit  him  for  a  di^-tinguished 
position  among  the  wily,  insidious,  clerical  Tliugs  of 
the  Society  of  Jesus. 

Another  towering  champion  of  the  failh  lately  gave  a 
shameful  exhibition  of  intolerance  against  a  very  emi- 
nent man,  whose  honored  name  and  whose  writings  iiro 
known  in  every  civilized  part  of  the  world.  During 
Professor  Huxley's  late  visit  to  the  I'nited  States,  his 
teaching  and  lectures  were  so  appreciated  that  Orthodox 
and  Heterodox  alike  paid  him  the  most  courteous  atten- 
tion, and  the  most  generous  hospitalities  were  offered 
him  in  every  direction.  These  marks  of  appro  al  for 
the  eminent  but  sceptical  scientist,  excited  jealousy  and 
the  latent  bigotry  in  the  narrow  minds  of  a  few^etty 
preachers,  —  Sunday-school  philosophers,  —  and  they 
warned  the  people  of  IJuffalo,  in  which  city  Professor 
Huxley  was  then  entertained,  against  bestowing  hos- 
pitality on  a  man  who  they  said  was  not  a  believer  in 
Christianity.  An  article  to  this  effect  appeared  in  a 
paper  called  The  Orbit,  and  when  a  certain  Bishop 
named  Coxe  assumed  the  responsibility  of  the  spiteful 
paragraph,  he  was  indignantly  assailed  by  writers  in 
several  papers;  and  the  hospitable  people  of  the  city 
that  the  great  Huxley  had  honored  with  his  presence 
were  thoroughly  ashamed  of  the  conduct  of  Bishop 
Coxe  and  the  doltish  Reverends  who  co-operated  with 
him  in  producing  the  ebullition  of  this  "truly  Christian 
spirit." 

These  arc  but  a  few  out  of  a  large  number  of 
instances  where  the  clergy  have  shown  such  intolerance 
as  to  disgust  many  with  the  so-called  "  truly  Christian 
spirit "  manifested  by  preachers  of  a  gospel  of  peace 
and  good  will.  Their  mischievous  meddling  and  inter- 
ference in  church,  family,  social,  and  political  affairs, 
has  caused  much  deplorable  strife,  and  their  obstinate 
course  too  often  urged  against  useful  innovations  and 


216 


ItEMINlStENCES 


rcforras  has  ereatly  retarded  progresp.    None  arc  moro 
contentious  than  the  clergy.    Even  iu  the  discussion  of 
points  of  doctrine,  they  often  become  personal  and 
olTcnsivc  towards  one  another.    They  seldom  meet  at 
synods,    conferences,    or    church    meetings,    without 
en^a'-ing  in  bitter  strife,  sometimes  ending  in  blows. 
Thl;  newspapers  frequently  furnish  us  with  accounts  of 
such    scenes.    The    Tall   Mall    Gazette,   of    London, 
referring  to  one  of  the  latest  of  these  disturbances, 
says-  "Recently  at  a  church  meeting  in  Glasgow,  the 
con<rregation,  with  a  view  of  settling  a  point  of  order, 
proceeded  to  seize  each  other  by  the  throat,  and  fought 
over  the  question  for  an  hour  or  two,  clergy,  elders, 
deacons,  communicants,  and  catechumens,  male  and 
female,  rushing  indiscriminately  at  one  another  with 
cries  and  blows,  nnd  defying  the  efforts  of  a  dozen  or 
score  of  the  police  to  calm  the  confusion."    Were  the 
generality  of  preachers  actuated  by  a  proper  spint  of 
peace,  so  much  could  not  be  recorded  to  their  discredit. 
Were  they  so  actuated,  their  influence,  which  is  un- 
happily too  often  exercised  in  the  wrong  direction, 
would  do  much   to   abolish  the  curse  of  war  among 
nations,  and  to  promote  feelings  of  peace  and  good  will 

among  men.  •        xi.^ 

And  then  what  an  example  iu  other  ways  have  the 
priests  set  the  peoplel  As  a  rule,  they  live  a  life  of 
idleness  and  self-indulgence,  and,  as  a  class,  the  sin  of 
sensuality  is,  beyond  all  doubt  or  denial,  their  besetting 
sin.  Records  are  at  hand  to  prove  that  they  have 
betrayed  confidence,  that  they  have  set  families  at 
variance,  that  they  have  ruined  reputations,  that  they 
are  and  have  been  repeatedly  detected  in  liaisons,  that 
they  have  abetted  crime  and  been  convicted  of  various 
felonies.  Scarcely  a  day  passes  that  you  cannot  hear  or 
read  of  some  clerical  absconder,  of  some  clencal  turpi- 
tude,  or  of  some  clerical  expulsion.    Indeed,  so  familiar 


ENCE8 


OF    A    PREACHEB. 


817 


irogresp.    None  arc  moro 
Even  iu  the  discussion  of 
jn  become  personal  and 
ur.    They  seldom  meet  at 
urch    meetings,    without 
netimes  ending  in  blows, 
irnish  us  with  accounts  of 
ill    Gazette,   of    London, 
st  of  these  disturbances, 
meeting  in  Glasgow,  the 
settling  a  point  of  order, 
by  the  throat,  and  fought 
lur  or  two,  clergy,  elders, 
I  catechumens,  male  and 
tely  at  one  another  with 
the  efforts  of  a  dozen  or 
he  confusion."    Were  the 
ated  by  a  proper  spirit  of 
recorded  to  their  discredit. 
ir  influence,  which  is  uu- 
1  in  the  wrong  direction, 
L  the  curse  of  war  among 
ngs  of  peace  and  good  will 

)lc  in  other  ways  have  the 
1  a  rule,  they  live  a  life  of 

and,  as  a  class,  the  sin  of 
bt  or  denial,  their  besetting 

to  prove  that  they  have 
ihey  have  set  families  at 
lined  reputations,  that  they 
ly  detected  in  liaisons,  that 
I  been  convicted  of  various 
jses  that  you  cannot  hear  or 
der,  of  some  clerical  turpi- 
lulsion.    Indeed,  so  familiar 


are  the  public  with  such  accounts  of  priestly  infamy, 
that  The  Pulpit,  a  religious  magazine  published  in  New 
York,  tried  in  a  long  article  to  frame  an  excuse  for  the 
erring  pastors,  and  among  other  startling  things  said: — 

"  We  infer  from  what  we  hear  iu  private  conversa- 
tion, and  what  we  read  in  the  public  journals,  that  the 
public  think  it  very  marvellous  that  so  many  of  the 
clergy  are  wrecked  upon  the  rock  of  sensuality.  The 
astonishment  is  not  astonishing.  People  who  do  not 
make  a  habit  of  thinking  will  hardly  be  thoughtful 
enough  to  know  the  fact  iu  reference  to  this  matter. 
The  fact  is,  there  is  no  profession,  class,  or  avocation 
so  exposed  to  or  tempted  bv  the  devil  of  sensuality  as 
the  ministry.  ...  No  man  in  the  world  has  so  few  con- 
ditions imposed  upon  him  at  the  thrcshhold  of  society  as 
the  clergyman.  His  passport  to  society  is  almost  a 
carte  blanche.  Women  of  both  states  and  all  ages  are 
his  companions,  socially  and  professionally.  The  rules 
of  social  intercommunication  between  the  sexes  arc.  in 
his  case,  virtually  suspended.  What  would  be  indis- 
cretion with  other  men,  is  a  matter  of  course  with  him. 
lie  shares  or  is  alternately  admitted  to  the  privacy  of 
the  sick  room  with  the  physician. 

"Whenever  spiritual  advice  is  called  for, there  he 
reigns  alone  and  unmolested.  And  he  is  a  sedentary 
man,  of  nervous,  sanguine  temperament,  and,  like  all 
men  of  this  sort  and  life,  feels  the  law  of  his  flesh 
warring  against  the  law  of  his  religion.  None  have 
such  passions  as  those  of  a  sedentary  life.  In  propor- 
tion to  the  idleness  of  the  muscles  is  the  activity  of  the 
passions.  The  devil  tempts  the  industrious;  idle  men 
tempt  the  devil.  The  clergy  should  give  more  earnest 
heed  to  '  muscular  Christianity.'  But  not  only  is  their 
life  afllicted  with  deficiency  in  bodily  exercise,  but  it  is 
additionally  cursed  with  temptations  that  take  advan- 
tage of  this  physical  feebleness.    CJonsidering,  then, 


218 


nKMINISCKNCES 


this  sandy-haired  composition,  this  nervous  combusti- 
l)ility,  this  Huperabunduuco  of  sexual  heat  from  a 
deficiency  in  phy&ical  exertion,  and  this  extraordinary 
exposure  to  the  wiles  of  the  wicked,  and  the  insinuative 
influences  of  uususpieion,  the  marvel,  nay,  the  miracle, 
is,  that  not  no  many,  but  so  few,  of  the  oleryyfall  into  the 
sins  of  sensuality.  The  womler  is,  not  that  so  many  yield, 
but  that  so  many  stand  firm! "  (///) 

The  foregoing  sample  of  special  pleading,  of  daring 
exculpation,  is  from  The  Pulpit  of  November,  1807. 
Yet  well  may  the  reverend  sensualists  pray  to  be  saved 
from  such  a  friend.  What  a  scathing  exposure  of  the 
inner  life  and  temptation  of  the  unsuspicious  "  sandy- 
haired  "  dergy  sulToring  from  a  superabundance  "of 
sexual  heat  I"  (Jood  Godl  One  is  almost  forced  to 
rub  his  eyes  in  astonishment  that  such  an  extenuation 
.was  deliberately  allowed  to  appear  in  the  pages  of  a 
religious  magazine  in  order  to  shield,  if  possible,  the 
low  cunning  and  villuny  of  spiritual  advisers  who,  while 
in  company  with  "  women  of  both  states,"  and  exposed 
to  their  wicked  wiles,  "alone  and  unmolested,"  "feel 
the  law  of  their  flesh  warring  against  the  law  of  their 
religion."  Religious  papers,  as  a  rule,  make  strong 
efforts  to  hide  the  many  vile  acts  of  clerical  debauchees, 
but  were  any  secular  journal  to  use  a  similar  line  of 
defense  for  other  reprobates  as  that  used  by  The  Pulpit 
for  erring  pastors,  what  indignant  accusations  would  bo 
burled  against  it  by  God-fearing  people,  lay  and  clerical  I 

Since  this  noted  qMOsi-admission  of  priestly  frailty  by 
the  popular  religious  magazine,  erring  shepherds  have 
become  more  numerous;  we  hear  of  their  obliquity  in 
every  direction.  So  far  from  the  lenient  comments  of 
The  Pulpit  acting  as  a  deterrent,  it  seems  they  have 
only  stimulated  many  of  the  ordained  to  further  vicious 
activity;  for  did  not  the  religious  magazine  say  in  con- 
tinuation: "And  80  far  from  these  sins  of  sensuality 


SNCE8 

I  this  nervous  combusti- 
f  sexual  hunt  from  a 
,  and  this  extraonUnary 
jkcd,  and  the  insiuuativo 
marvel,  nay,  the  niiraele, 
of  the  oleryyfall  into  the 
Is,  not  that  so  many  yield, 

3cial  pleading,  of  daring 
pit  of  November,  1807. 
isualists  pray  to  bo  saved 
:;athing  exposure  of  the 
e  unsuspicious  "sandy- 
a  superabundance  "  of 
)ne  is  almost  forced  to 
hat  such  an  extenuation 
)pear  in  the  pages  of  a 

0  shield,  if  possible,  the 
itual  advisers  who,  while 
oth  states,"  and  exposed 
and  unmolested,"  "  feel 
igainst  the  law  of  their 
as  a  rule,  make  strong 
ts  of  clerical  debauchees, 
to  use  a  similar  line  of 

that  used  by  The  Pulpit 
ant  accusations  would  bo 

1  people,  lay  and  clerical  I 
iion  of  priestly  frailty  by 
e,  erring  shepherds  have 
2ar  of  their  obliquity  in 
the  lenient  comments  of 
rent,  it  seems  they  have 
•dained  to  further  vicious 
3US  magazine  say  in  con- 
Ihese  sins  of  sensuality 


OK  A  PREACIIEn. 


219 


being  the  inexplicable  lapses  they  are  pronounced  to 
be  by  the  public  press  and  private  (iruudya,  thoy  are 
not  only  the  least  surpiining,  but  the  nwtit  c.ccumhk  tiins 
the  clergy  can  commit? '>  Hear  this,  O,  yc  "private 
Cirundys,  ye  fathers  and  brothers  and  liusbands,  and 
learn  from  the  clerical  editor  of  The  Pulpit  tliat  when 
your  daughters,  or  sisters,  or  wives,  or  female  friends, 
are  seduced  or  debauched  by  their  pious  spiritual  ad- 
visers, you  must  try  and  overlook  the  atrocity  and  con- 
sider it  but  one  of  "  the  most  excusable  sins  the  clergy 
can  commit"!! 

In  connection  with  this  distasteful  subject,  a  book  has 
lately  been  published,  dealing  exclusively  with  the 
"  crimes  of  the  clergy,"  giving  name,  place,  and  date, 
relating  to  every  vile  transaction,  and  which  shows  con- 
clusively that  within  the  last  five  years  more  than  live 
hundred  ministers  of  the  Gospel  have,  in  the  United 
States  alone,  been  accused  and  convicted  of  various 
crimes,  many  of  them  being  of  the  most  abominable 
character.  It  may  therefore  be  assumed,  that  if  a 
hundred  clerical  criminals  are  now  annually  detected, 
the  iniquities  of  a  far  greater  number  are  shielded  by 
piouschurchmembers,  and  many  clerical  scandals  kept 
forever  from  the  greedy  eara  of  a  profane  public. 

And  yet,  amazing  palliation  I  Though  a  ready  extenua- 
tion can  be  suggested  for  the  gross  dissoluteness  of 
well-fed,  full-blooded,  potted,  and  indulged  "sandy- 
haired  "  disciples,  should  a  thoughtful  preacher,  exem- 
plary in  other  respects,  venture  to  express  a  doubt  as  to 
eternal  punishment,  or  lay  himself  open  to  the  charge 
of  heterodoxy  respecting  other  doctrines,  what  a  com- 
motion there  would  be  among  the  high  priests,  and 
what  an  apostolic  racket  for  the  exposure  and  expulsion 
of  the  offender! 

The  clergy,  as  a  class,  are  well  known  to  be  arrogant 
and  dictatorial,  their  self-sufflciency  is  almost  unlimited, 


220 


11EMIN1HCKNCE8 


vet  when  the  turn  8«rve8  they  can  assume  ft  most 
exemplary  ciogrcc  of  huinlUly,  but  »uch  humility  has 
too  often  proved  terribly  deceptive;  it  is  but  the  crouch 
of  the  tiger  before  he  makes  a  deadly  spring  ou  his 
defenceless  prey. 

While    Buckle  and   other   writers   give   numerous 
instances  of   the  malign   influence    of  the  clergy  on 
religious,  political,  aud  social  affairs,  the  author  of  the 
Celtic  Druids  thus  speaks  of  the  whole  class:-'  Of  all 
the  evils  that  escaped  from  random's  box,  the  institution 
of  priesthoods  was  the  worst.    Tricsts  have  been  the 
curse  of  the  world.    And  if  we  admit  the  merits  of 
many  of  those  of  our  own  time  to  br  xs  pre-eminent 
above  all  others  as  the  espnt-de-corpg  of  the  most  self- 
contented  individual  of  the  order  may  Incite  him  to 
consider  them,  great  as  I  am  willing  to  allow  the  merits 
Of  individuals  to  be,  I  will  not  allow  that  they  form 
exceptions  strong  enough  to  destroy  the  general  nature 
of  the  rule.  Look  at  China;  at  tlie  festival  of  Juggernaut; 
the  Crusades;  the  massacres  of  St.  Bartholomew;  of 
the  Mexicans  and  the  Peruvians;    the    flres   of   the 
Inquisition;    of   Mary    Cranmer,  Calvin,  and  of  the 
Dniidsl     Look  at  Ire  d  k1;    look  at  Spain;  in  short, 
look  everywhere,  and  everywhere  you   will   see  the 
priests  reeking  with  gore!  They  have  converted  popular 
and  hapijy  nations  into  deserts;  and  have  transformed 
our  beautiful  world  into  a  slaughter-house,  drencheU 
with  blood  and  tears  I  "  ;" 


KNCE8 


OF  A  I'ltKACIIKn. 


m 


icy  cnri  assume  ft  most 
yr,  but  such  humility  has 
)tivc;  it  is  but  the  crouch 
ts  a  deadly  spring  ou  his 

writers   give    numerous 
lucuco    of  the  clergy  on 
affairs,  the  author  of  the 
ho  whole  class:—"  Of  all 
idorn's  box,  the  institution 
it.    Pricbts  have  been  the 
wo  admit  the  merits  of 
imo  to  br  ns  pre-eminent 
t-de-co)-p9  of  the  most  self- 
order  :nuy  Incite  him  to 
willing  to  allow  the  merits 
not  allow  that  they  form 
lostroy  the  general  nature 
the  festival  of  Juggernaut; 
3  of  St.  Bartholomew,  of 
Livians;    the    fires   of   the 
amcr,  Calvin,  and  of  the 
look  at  Spain;  in  short, 
ywhere  you   will   see  the 
liey  have  converted  popular 
rts;  and  have  transformed 
slaughter-house,  drenched 


CIIAlTEll  XXV. 

WATCHMAN,  WHAT  OF  THE  NIOHT? 

There's  a  good  time  coming  when  the  despot  shall  bo 
humbled,  when  the  liand  of  the  tyrant  shall  be  struck 
down,  when  right  slmll  bo  restored,  and  when  the 
induence  of  evil  men -of  professional  patriots,  and 
obtrusive,  dictatorial  priests— sliall  bo  gone  forever. 
There's  a  good  time  coming  when  man's  conceptions 
of  a  Supreme  Being  shall  be  more  exalted,  and  when 
the  black  clouds  of  superstition  shall  roil  away,  leaving 
the  human  mind  to  bo  nurtured  and  strengthened  in 
the  clear,  glorious  sunlight  of  lleason.  From  present 
signs,  from  tlie  vast  spreatl  of  knowledge,  and  from  the 
beautiful  prismatic  bow  now  8i)anning  the  intellectual 
heights,  one  might  be  encouraged  to  say  that  "  this 
generation  shall  not  pass  until  all  these  thin<'8  bo 
fuHilled." 

In  a  few  more  years  the  light  of  genuine  truth,  now 
refulgent  on  the  distant  mountain  tops,  will  overwhelm 
the  earth  and  illuminate  every  inquiring  mind,  and  the 
pestiferous  mists  and  gross  delusions  of  ages  shall 
disappear  forever.  Men,  almost  everywhere,  seem  to 
be  waking  up  from  antiquated  dreams  to  realize  that 
these  have  been  but  dreams.  Even  a  large  number  of 
the  clergy,  doubtful  and  undecided  on  many  theological 
points,  as  (hey  are  known  to  be,  now  hesitate  to  hurl 
the  once  ready  anathema  against  the  conscientious 
thinker  whom  they  are  forced  to  respect,  but  who 
cannot  accoi)t  a  so-called  divine  revelation  which  has 
been  proved  already  to  be  in  many  parts  false,  immoral, 
and  contradictory.    And  although  some  of  God'a  min- 


TIKMINISCKNCEB 

ls,orK-l.lln.lc"l  ""<>   «t«p.>th..l  by  crcMlulUy- will  stUl 

i,U..U-ra,u.;.  pinniUin,  n..l.hor  ..o.unmul.nUu.n  nor  d- 
imv.hip  with  K«c-h  persons,  «uch  t.xlH  uro  ^'^,1        ml 

i,„pu  .OH  will  not  be  boun.l  down  an  of  yon-,  by  ho 
n" TowncsH  and  llliboralUy  of  nmn.latcs  whUh  con!  a 
w"lh  the  spirit  of  the  age  and  with  the  latent  nolnhty 
of  the  human  soul. 

There  w«8  a  time  when  it  was  da..f,'crous  and  .lead  y 
to  he   ostraeised  by  the  ehureh;  but  who  now  fears   t« 
threatening?    There   was  a  thne   when  the  whip,  and 
h     s^ake'aud  the   fagot,  and  the    »"-k  -  used  by 
Catholles  and   Protestants  alike-caused  none  but  to 
most  daring  to  do  more  than  whisper  agauist  theolog.ctU 
untnny    whieh   elain.ed   its    dreaded    authonty    from 
Aposto'lie  words  like  these-"  If  there  eome  any  unto 
you,  and  bring  not  this  ^oetrlne  receive  h„u  not  mo 
vour  house,   neither  bid  him  (lod-speed.       "  U  ough 
wTor  an  angel  from  Heaven  preach  any  other  Gospel 
unt>you  than  that  which  we  have  preached  unto  you, 
let  him  be  accursed."     "  He  that  de.p  sed  Moses's  law, 
dVed  without  mercy  under  two  or  three  witnesses  '' 
Numerous  other  vicious  and  intolerant  toxshkethe  e 
caused  tears  and  blood  to  flow  In  profusion,  allowed 
neither  pity  nor  mercy  to  be  shown  to  sex  or  age,  and 
brou.'ht  untold  sulterings  upon  this  fair  world,  making 
rtalmost  equal  to  the  Orthodox  hell  with  a   ragti^ 
demon  of  the  most  theological  stamp  and  origin  as  its 
ruler  and  providence.    To-day,  happily,  the  persecuting 
animus  of  the  pious  is  limited.    The  unbeliever  is  still 
"cd  from  the  pulpit;  the  zealous  Christian  may 
d™Une  to  have. fellowship  with   the  Inlldel-,  there  may 
be  an  attempt  at  social  ostracism,  and  the  books  and 
arguments  of  the  ablest  heterodox  writers,  for  want 


KNCEB 

by  credulity— will  «tl!l 
linsl  Ihi-  unbi'lii'Vi-r,  yot 
»  siU'i-c'il  word  "  ti;xls  oC 
■  cominuulcivtiou  nor  fol- 
;h  tfXtH  arc  read  (d  but 
J   lu-art  and  its  gumrous 

down  as  of  yoro  by  tlio 
f  inandatcH  width  coiidicl 
,d  with  the  latout  nobility 

as  dangerous  and  deadly 
ch;  but  who  now  fears  Ita 
time  when  the  whip,  and 
ud  the  block  — used  by 
like— caused  none  but  the 
diisper  against  theological 

dreaded  authority  from 
_"  If  there  come  any  unto 
trine,  receive  him  not  into 
1  (;od-speed."  "Though 
I  preach  any  other  Gospel 
re  have  preached  unto  you, 
that  despised  Moses's  law, 
two  or  three  witaesaes." 

Intolerant  texts  like  these 
flow  in  profusion,  allowed 
ic  shown  to  sex  or  age,  and 
pon  this  fair  world,  making 
liodox  hell  with  a  raging 
cal  stamp  and  origin  as  its 
^y,  happily,  the  persecuting 
ted.  The  unbeliever  is  still 
the  zealous  Christian  may 
dth  the  Inlldel;  there  may 
racism,  and  the  books  and 
blcrodox  writers,  for  want 


OK  A  rill  A»  in  II. 


of  better  filial  ion,  may  hv  proscribed  as  indecent, 
(ili><cciie,  li  mid,  or  liJaHplicnious,  as  if  lliose  who  tliuH 
dcflaini  biiil  no  kiiowle'l;,'e  thai  llii' "  {took  of  llook.-t" 
siiiiiasscd,  ill  many  passaijes,  all  others  in  such  utler- 
aiiei'M.  lint  the  end  of  ihis  petty  inaliee  U  drawing 
near.  In  spite  of  (Jrlliodox  liigotry,  eillicr  on  the  part 
of  prie><l  or  [K'ople,  tlie  iiidepcndcnt,  oiilsiioken  sceptic 
or  unbeliever  is  looked  ii|)oii,  even  by  iiroiniiiciit 
churehnien,  as  one  generally  Itetter  informed  than 
oIlieiM  ill  the  same  walk  of  life,  and  to-day  their 
iiitelleetiial  superiority  is  ailiiiilled;  having  in  llieir 
ranks  the  ablest  scientists,  philosopiiers,  and  luinianl- 
tarians  ill  Knglaml,  rraiiee,  (Jermaiiy,  and  the  I'liited 
states,  their  leetiire-rooiiis  being  eiowded,  and  their 
books  iK'ing  read  with  avidity  by  all  classes  of  the 
eoinmui.ity. 

This  is  the  progress  of  Free  Thou'^dit  so  far.  The 
Tope  may  anathematizi^  from  the  V'aiiean.  The  priest 
may  curse  from  tlu!  altar,  the  rrotestanl  bishop  may 
denounce  from  the  [lulpit,  the  peoi)le  of  (iod  may 
repeat  .Scriptural  maledictions — all  in  vain;  for  the 
great  work  of  illumination  goes  on.  Iliindreds  leave 
the  sanrtuary  never  to  return.  One  by  one  the  more 
candid  and  enlightcneil  [jiicsts  retire  from  the  pulpit  to 
repudiate  on  a  broader  platform  their  previous  teach- 
ings. Others,  to  niy  certain  knowledge,  remain  behind 
perplexed  with  doubt,  but  without  Hullleient  moral 
courage  to  express  them  or  to  reliiuiuish  the  stipend 
attached  to  their  clerical  vottatiou.  Aiiart  from  titled 
distinction  and  social  influence-,  what  an  incentive  to 
belief  must  be  the  enormous  salaries  of  some  of  the 
l)ishops  and  clergyl  With  meagre  talents  comi);!red 
with  wlial  mav  be  re(|iiirel  in  many  dllier  callings,  a 
man  may  become  a  i)ieaeher,  attain  unbounded  iiitlu- 
cnce,  live  like  a  i)rince  or  modern  apostle,  and  become 
wealthy.     Such  inducements    make   preaching  a    pro- 


224 


REMINISCENCES 


fcssion  to  be  coveted,  and,  with  the  majority  of  those 
who  "minister  in  sacred  tilings,"  it  is  but  a  vocation 
adopted  and  followed  with  no  higher  purpose  in  view 
than  to  make  a  respectable  living,-just  for  the  same 
reason  that  a  doctor  chooses  his  profession,  or  that 
another  person  practices  at  law. 

Still,  it  cannot  be  denied  that  there  are  among  the 
clergy  of  all  denominations  sincere  and  excellent  but 
misraken  men,  who  regard  preaching  as  a  solemn  duty, 
and  who  truly  believe  every  word,  sentence,  chapter,  and 
book  in  the  Bible  to  be  divinely  inspired.   Brt  with  the 
opportunities  for  education  now  within  the  reach  ot 
almost  any  one,  and  with  the  teachings  of  science  and 
philosophy,  it  requires  a  great  amount  of  credulity  to 
believe  that  an  omnipotent,  omniscient,  and  benevolent 
Deity  made  a  place  in  which  the  faUible  beings  whom 
he  created  are,  with  the  exception  of  a  few,  to  be 
punished  eternally  in  fiery  torments;  that  God  created 
evil  or  such  a  being  as  Satan,  permitting  him  to  use 
diabolical  arts  to  ensnare  sinners  to  dcstruetion,  and 
that  in  consequence  the  great  majority  of  human  bemgs 
are  to  be  finally  lost;  and  that  even  within  the  confines 
of  Heaven  itself,  the  presumed   a'-ode   of  peace  and 
felicity,   there    was   actual   war   between  its   angeUc 

denizens  1  , 

How  few  now  without  a  misgiving  can  believe  tne 
story  of  the  fall  of  Adam,  of  the  Flood  and  Noah's  Ark, 
of  the  sun  and  the  moon  standing  still  m  the  sky? 
What  extravagant  belief  it  requires  to  suppose  that 
God's  favorite  people  were  not  coarse,  cruel,  and  blood- 
thirstv;  that  to  appease  his  jealousy  or  anger  the 
Almighty  ordered  the  slaughter  of  thousands  of  other 
nations,  including  women  and  innocent  children  and 
directed  that  unmarried  females  taken  captive  should 
be  delivered  up,  evidently  to  satisfy  the  lusts  of  a  brutal 
soldiery;  that  atonements  for  sin  were  acceptable  m 


8CENCE8 

?ith  the  majority  of  those 
n^s,"  il  is  l>ut  a  vocation 
10  higher  purpose  in  view 
living, — just  for  the  same 
ses  his  profession,  or  that 

iaw. 

I  that  there  are  among  the 
i  sincere  and  excellent  but 
preaching  as  a  solemn  duty, 
word,  sentence,  chapter,  and 
nely  inspired.   Brt  with  the 
1  now  within  the  reach  of 
e  teachings  of  science  and 
jat  amount  of  credulity  to 
omniscient,  and  benevolent 
1  the  fallible  beings  whom 
exception  of  a  few,  to  be 
■torments;  that  God  created 
itan,  permitting  him  to  use 
sinners  to  destruetion,  and 
at  majority  of  human  beings 
hat  even  within  the  confines 
mmed   a'^ode   of  peace  and 
1   war  between  its   angelic 

I  misgiving  can  believe  the 
if  the  Flood  and  Noah's  Ark, 
n  standing  still  in  the  sky? 
it  requires  to  suppose  that 
not  coarse,  cruel,  and  blood- 
his  jealousy  or  anger  the 
|hter  of  thousands  of  other 
'and  innocent  children,  and 
craalcs  taken  captive  should 
to  satisfy  the  lusts  of  a  brutal 
1  for  sin  were  acceptable  in 


OF  A  PRKACHKIl. 


225 


the  slaughter  of  beasts,  in  burnt  offerings  of  bullocks, 
rams,  he-goats,  and  other  animals,  which  Wanton  and 
filthy  sacrifices  were   to  be  a  "  sweet  savor  unto  the 
Lord."    Who  can  believe  that  many  of  the  patriarchs 
lived  for  hundreds  of  years,  or  tliat  their  general  con- 
duct was  exemplary;  that  the  licentious  Solomon  was  a 
wise  man;  or  that  David,  having  the  infamous  character 
deduced  even  from  the  Bible,  was  "  a  man  after  God's 
own  heart  ";   that  the  Almighty  tolerated  slaughter,  or 
slavery,  or  polygamy,  or  witchcraft ;  that  he  was  governed 
as  it  were  by  human  passions,  being  at  times  irascible 
or  gracious,  a«  the  mood  might  be;  that  He  permitted 
Elijah  to  aseend  alive  to  heaven  in  a  whirlwind;  or  that 
the  witch  of  Endor  had  power  to  cause  Samuel  to  appear 
after  death;  that  Lazarus  was  raised  alive  from  the 
grave;    or   that   the    dead  arose,   walked   about,  and 
appeared  to  many  at  the  time  of  the  crucifixion?  These 
are  but  a  few  of  the  absurd  stories,  scattered  through- 
out the  Bible,  which  priests  tell  us  we  must  accept  as 
truth,  while,  in  fact,  none  but  those  yet  in  a  state  of 
mental  babyhood  consider  them  of  more  authentic  value 
than  that  given  to  the  exploits  of  Jack  the  Giant  Killer, 
or  the  adventures  of  Baron  Munchausen.    Indeed,  at 
the  present  day,  it  is  simply  impossible  to  treat  such 
accounts  with  seriousness,  for  in  spite  of  any  disposition 
to  do   so,  the   impulse  towards  ridicule  will  become 
almost  irresistible. 

There  are,  however,  many  fine  precepts  in  the  Bible; 
much,  also,  that  is  puerile  and  misleading.  The  Bible 
makes  no  attack  on  many  of  the  great  wrongs  and 
abuses  which  have  existed  for  generations;  it  leads  to 
no  useful  discovery.  The  soundness  or  morality  of 
much  of  its  teaching  may  well  be  questioned,  and  when 
it  says,  "  Obey  them  that  have  rule  over  you,"  even 
though  they  should  be  tyrants,  for  we  are  told  that 
"  the  powers  that  be  are  ordained  of  God,"— when  we 


li 


H 


( -«»js*»s.g»ia^«N«s».aWfa>': 


REMINISCENCES 

are  told  to  love  our  enemies,  to  resist  not  eva,and 
when  struck  on  one  check  to  turn  the  other  for  a  bo  v 
we  assert  that  nil  Christendom,  the  -^^  J^       J^    ' 
nricsts    and  people,  refuse  to  obey  and    persistent  y 
Sle' these 'injunctions,-are  they  right  or  wrong  m 

'"mphlcy,  and  mystery,  and  miracle,  have  failed  with 
the  most  Thoughtful  and  intellectual  to  establish  any 
loLr  the  old  claim  of  Scriptural  inspiration.    I'myer 
ami  Mthhavolost  their  alleged  potency,  they  will  no 
*rnU7r  move  the  mountain,  heal  the  sick  or  raise  the 
dead? era  "God's  elect"  are  quite  unwilling  to  tru 
these  in  any  emergency.   The  united  prayers  of  ardent 
I'e  ev-of'the  t^o  greatest  ^hristian  nat^ns  in  U^^ 
world  were  lately  sent  up  beseeching  the  Lord  to  spare 
The  lie  o  the  stricken  rreside.it  of  the  United  States.* 
The  prayers  were  in  vain,  for  the  laws  of  Nature  are 
SLrSe     Continual  prayers  are   "offered  for   mon- 
arcW  rulers,  yet  they  are  still  -ostly  but  rapacious 
despots-  we  Implore  "for  peace  m  our  time,    yet  we 
Sou  all  sides'the  thunder  of  war  and  the  clamor  of 
preparations  for  fresh  campaigns.    Prayer  is  the  voice 
KemWingllope;  it  is  still  mainly  the  resort  of  the 
^Tnd  emotional.    People  at  all  Pe^«  «  ^^^ 
prayer  a  refuge  in  times  of  urgent  necessity,    btatuts 
and  images,  the  sun  and  the  moon,  one  God,  and  the 
Sitv  of  Gods,  and   "the  Queen  of  Heaven,"   and 
Ss  and  ange  s.  and  the  unknown  God,  have  been 
and  are  still  invoked,  and  a  kind  of  relief  is  obtained  by 
nnburrn^"  the  heart  even  to  some  occult  power;  but, 
r?heprese''ntday,the  priest  who  prays  for  sunshine 
nrforraTn  who  faatH  and  prays  that  a  plague  may  be 
a^'lhYa  tempest  may  ie  stilled,  or  that  an  earUi- 
quake  may  cease;  who  appeals  to  Pivine  Justice  fo   a 
Sng  on  friends  or  a  curse  upon  enemies,  is  still, 


*  President  tiarfield. 


iNCES 

i,  to  resist  not  cvU,  and 
irn  the  other  for  a  blow, 
.1,  the  mass  of  believers, 

0  obi-y  and  iiersistcntly 
■c  they  right  or  wrong  in 

miracle,  have  failed  with 
ellectual  to  establish  any 
ural  inspiration.    Prayer 
red  potency,  they  will  no 
heal  the  sick,  or  raise  the 
i-e  quite  unwilling  to  trust 
e  united  prayers  of  ardent 
,t  Christian  nations  in  the 
ueching  the  Lord  to  spare 
entof  the  United  Slates.* 
I-  the  laws  of  Nature  are 
jrs  are   'offered  for   mon- 

still  mostly  but  rapacious 
icacc  in  our  time,"  yet  we 

of  war  and  the  clamor  of 
igns.  Prayer  is  the  voice 
11  mainly  the  resort  of  the 
e  at  all  periods  have  made 

urgent  necessity.  Statues 
le  moon,  one  God,  and  the 
,  Queen  of  Heaven,"   and 

unknown  God,  have  been 
kind  of  relief  is  obtained  by 

1  to  some  occult  power;  but, 
sstwho  prays  for  sunshine 

prays  that  a  plague  may  be 
be  stilled,  or  that  an  earth- 
eals  to  Pivine  .Justice  for  a 
uurse  upon  enemies,  is  still, 


OF  A   PREACHER. 


227 


even  with  all  his  pretension  to  education,  civilization, 
and  refinement,  at  bent  bui  in  a  state  of  semi-barbariam. 
The  only  way  in  which  prayer  can  be  of  service  is  when 
it  is  an  incentive  to  exertion  for  relief,  or  when  it 
impels  to  action  in  the  direction  of  the  prayer  itself. 

There's  a  good  time  coming  when  wrongs  shall  be 
righted,  and  when  the  injustice  and  venerable  abuses  of 
ages  shall  be  swept  away.  By  means  of  force  and 
oppression,  not  more  than  a  tenth  of  mankind  have 
found  life  worth  living;  to  all  the  rest  it  has  been 
mostly  a  sad  duration  of  trials,  anxieties,  trouble, 
worry,  and  deprivation.  Could  such  a  deplorable 
arrangement  ever  have  been  the  intention  of  a  benevo- 
lent Deity?  Impossible !  The  pitiable  result  is  from 
man's  own  rapacity,  as  much  from  pious  Christian  men 
as  from  any  other.  The  condition  of  poverty  has  been 
praised  by  the  "  Princes  of  the  Church,"— by  Popes, 
Cardinals,  Lord  Bishops,  wealthy  pious  pastors,  and  by 
well-to-do  comfortable  Christians,  by  men  who,  perhaps, 
on  the  whole,  never  knew  the  want  of  a  meal  I  Is  this 
the  reason  that  poverty  has  actually  become  more  bitter 
and  extensive  in  Christian  lands  than  in  any  other? 
The  Bible  says,  "  Blessed  are  the  poor,"  but  the  poor 
may  well  say  that  poverty  is  a  curse,  which  to  escape 
has  made  Christian  people  grasping,  violent,  and  un- 
scrupulous, fully  establishing  the  principle  that  Might 
is  liight. 


I* 


si 


'  ^   .   .vM»^^'«f' 


228 


KEMINI8CKNCE8 


cnAPrEii  XXVI. 


li 


THE  DAWN. 

Our  Government   in   England   looks   more   to   the 
indulgence  and  glorification  of  a  certain  family  called 
"Royal,"  and  to  certain  classes  entitled  "  Noble,"  than 
it  does  to  secure  the  welfare  and  encouragement  of 
millions  of  the  so-called  humbler  people,  who  arc  the 
real  bone  and  sinew  of  the  nation.    Enormous  incomes 
have  been  secured  to  many  who  arc  quite  undeserving, 
and  titled  voluptuaries  monopolize  nearly  every  oflice 
of  honor  or  proIit,-many  of  such  holding  a  plurality 
of  offices— to  the  exclusion  of  persons  of  real  merit  and 
ability-because  of  their  l)cing  in  the  despised  humbler 
walks  of  life.    Our  Stale  Chu/ch,  with  its  lordly  l)ishop9 
and  dignitaries,  contrary  to  its  hypocritical  professions, 
seeks  its  treasure  upon  earth,  and  its  rapacity  cannot 
be    exceeded   by   the  most   grasping   potentate.     Its 
ordained  high  shepherds  arc  shamefully  overpaid,  and 
will  crave  and  accept  without  any  conscientious  scruple 
the  resources  so  much  needed  for  a  suffering  people. 
State  pensioners  of  every  degree,  temporal  and  spiritual, 
are  in  swarms  in  every  direction,  and  at  hand  with 
others  ready  to  deplete  or  grievously  reduce  any  tempt- 
in<r  fund  needed  for  humane  and  benevolent  purposes. 
Pllce-men  holding  the  highest  offices  under  Govern- 
ment get  exorbitant  salaries,  while  many  subordinates 
and  many  of  the  real  and  effective  workers  are  forced 
to  live   on   the   merest  pittance.    Useless  offices  are 
created  for  favorites,  and  there  is  an  overcrowding  of 
pampered  officials  in  every  department,  many  of  the 
most  worthless  becoming  permanent  burdens  on  the 
people. 


«rCE8 


XVI. 

1(1  looks   more   to  the 
a  certain  family  called 
entitled  "  Noble,"  than 
and  encouragement  of 
)ler  people,  who  arc  the 
on.    Enormous  incomes 
>  arc  quite  undeserving, 
[)lize  nearly  every  oflice 
uch  holding  a  plurality 
crsons  of  real  merit  and 
in  the  despised  huml)ler 
h,  with  its  lordly  bisiiops 
hypocritical  professions, 
and  its  rapacity  cannot 
jrasping   potentate.     Its 
shamefully  overpaid,  and 
my  conscientious  scruple 
I  for  a  suffering  people, 
e,  temporal  and  spiritual, 
ction,  and  at  hand  with 
vously  reduce  any  tempt- 
ed benevolent  purposes. 
3t  offices  under  Govem- 
Arhile  many  subordinates 
3tive  worlcers  are  forced 
,nce.    Useless  offices  are 
re  is  an  overcrowding  of 
department,  many  of  the 
rmauent  burdens  on  the 


OK  A   TRKACHEU. 

But  perhaps  the  greatest  evil  that  has  ever  afflicted 
the  human  family  is  their  deprivation  to  the  full  and 
free  use  of  land.  TbiB  generous  bounty  of  Nature  for 
all  alike  has  been  seized  and  taken  and  unscrupulously 
made  merchandize  of  by  rulers  and  inv.aders;  a  wrong 
which  no  words  can  fully  characterize.  This  depriva- 
tion is  admitted  to  bo  the  principal  cause  of  poverty 
and  of  all  the  evils  which  such  a  condition  engenders, 
and  such  no  doubt  it  is.  Were  it  possible  for  some  fiend 
to  dwell  in  malignant  thought  in  order  to  devise  some 
dread  scheme  to  make  this  earth  a  scene  of  woe  and 
suffering,  the  crowning  infamy  would  be  reached  by 
depriving  human  beings  of  the  free  use  of  the  land. 
Some  fiend  has  succeeded  in  accomplishing  this  object. 
As  it  is  now,  a  few  individuals,  comparatively,  own 
nearly  the  entire  fertile  portion  of  the  earth,  leaving 
millions  of  human  creatures  virtually  disinherited  and 
placed  in  a  state  of  deplorable  dependency. 

Man's  natural  right  to  the  use  of  the  land  is  just  the 
same  as  his  natural  right  to  the  light  that  shines,  to  the 
air  he  breathes,  or  to  the  ocean  which  by  common  usage 
belongs  to  all,  and  in  reality  it  would  be  no  greater 
injustice!  to  deny  his  prerogative  in  these  than  it  would 
be  to  impeach  his  common  claim  to  the  soil.  When  a 
man  is  deprived  of  the  free  use  of  the  soil,  or  on  such 
terms  as  may  be  common  to  all  alike,  particularly  for 
the  purpose  of  growing  food,  this  deprivation  is  an  out- 
rage on  his  natural  right  as  a  denizen  of  the  earth,  and 
the  main  cause  of  nearly  all  the  destitution  which  other- 
wise need  not  have  an  existence. 

But  so-called  "  vested  rights "  in  the  individual 
ownership  of  land  have,  it  is  said,  existed  for  genera- 
tions; still,  after  centuries,  they  are  but  vested  wrongs, 
and  the  statesman  or  politician  who  will  deny  this  and 
persist  in  sustaining  unjust  laws  which  legislate  thou- 
sands of  acres  from  father  to  son,  or  from  inheritor  to 


230 


KKMINISCENCE8 


inheritor,  or  keep  the  fertile  livnds  oi  an  entire  coiuUry 
subject  to  any  man's  will,  or  allow  the  lands  in  vast 
tracts  to  be  left  to  the  raonopolY  and  disposal  of  may 
be  a  score  or  even  a  dozen  of  rapacious  individuals, 
such  statesman  or  politician  is  an  obstructive  to  a 
necessary  reform  and  should  be  voted  out  of  oflBce  at 
the  earliest  opportunity.  Let  the  people  elect  proper 
representatives,  and  this  great  land  question  can  be 
settled  forever. 

Great  reforms  have  always  been  too  long  delayed,  as 
if  antiquated  usurpation  should  not  be  disturbed  uncere- 
moniously.   Temporizing  law-makers  are  still  too  much 
inclined  to  cry,  "  patience,  patience,"  while  thousands 
are  languishing  in  poverty  and  disease,  mainly  in  con- 
sequence of  a  deprivation  of  natural  rights,  and  while 
other  thousands  are  driven  to  desperation  and  crime  by 
this  continued  wrong  and  oppression.    There  should  be 
no  delay  in  applying  a  remedy,  no  delay  in  plucking  up 
pestiferous  weeds;  there  should  be  no  spot  on  earth 
left  for  the  footprint  of  injustice.    Human  rights  should 
be  restored  with  the  least  possible  delay.    He  who  is 
inclined  to  declaim  against  socialism  or  communism 
cannot,  with  so  much  human  suffering  before  his  eyes, 
deny  it  to  be  the  right  and  the  duty  of  the  State  to  pro- 
vide at  once  the  best  possible  remedy  towards   the 
alleviation  of  such  distress,  even  should  it  be  necessary 
to  assume  the  ownership  of  the  land,  reserving  the 
rents  and  profits  of  the  same  for  the  benefit  of  the 
whole  community.    In  such  an  attempt  for  the  good  of 
all,  there  are  or  would  be  many  cases  in  which  reason- 
able remuneration  should  be  paid  by  the  State  to  those 
dispossessed,  or  divested  of  ownership;  for  many  have 
acquired  ownership  of  land  by  hard  earnings  specially 
saved  for  such  purpose. 

This  exercise  of  its  prerogative  by  the  State  would 
undoubtedly  be  the  proper  and  legitimate  remedy  for 
the  restoration  of  natural  rights,  one  in  advance  of  all 


ENCE8 


OF   A    I'ltKACIIKTl. 


inds  oi  sin  entire  coiiulry 

r  allow  the  lands  in  vast 

)1y  and  disposal  of  may 

of  rapacious  individuals, 

is  an  obstructive  to   a 

be  voted  out  of  ofBce  at 

the  people  elect  proper 

!at  land  question  can  be 

been  too  long  delayed,  as 
d  not  be  disturbed  uncere- 
-makers  are  still  too  much 
atience,"  while  thousands 
nd  disease,  mainly  in  con- 
'  natural  rights,  and  while 
desperation  and  crime  by 
iression.    There  should  be 
ly,  no  delay  in  plucking  up 
ould  bo  no  spot  on  earth 
ice.    Human  rights  should 
lossible  delay.    He  who  is 
socialism  or  communism 
1  suffering  before  his  eyes, 
e  duty  of  the  State  to  pro- 
;ible  remedy  towards   the 
iven  should  it  be  necessary 
)f  the  land,  reserving  the 
me  for  the  benefit  of  the 
an  attempt  for  the  good  of 
lany  cases  in  which  reason- 
e  paid  by  the  State  to  those 
ownership;  for  many  have 
by  hard  earnings  specially 

ogative  by  the  State  would 
•  and  legitimate  remedy  for 
ights,  one  in  advance  of  all 


others,  and  certainly  the  most  likely  of  any  other  to  be 
cft'ectual.  Such  an  act  of  stern  ju.stice  is  dcnianilcd  by 
the  voice  of  bereaved  millions,  and  it  is  one  which  in 
spite  of  any  false  sentiment  as  to  i)rivate  ownership  of 
land  is  by  some  arrangement  sooner  or  later  to  take 
place.  This  indispensable  remedy  may,  it  is  admitted, 
be  a  harsh  one,  and  many  will  so  consider  it;  but 
property  delivered  up  to  the  Government  for  the  benefit 
of  all  wfll  to  a  certain  extent  be  compensative.  In 
order  to  do  strict  justice,  there  can  be  no  other  alterna- 
tive; "vested  rights"  are  doomed,  and  the  vast  con- 
course of  suffering  poor  must  be  saved  from  any  further 
destitution.  To  be  plain,  that  which  has  been  feloni- 
ously or  otherwise  unlawfully  seized  and  taken  must  be 
given  up  for  the  use  and  benefit  of  the  whole  commu- 
nity. The  rents  or  profits  of  land  instead  of  being 
claimed  for  the  support  or  enrichment  of  a  comparative 
few,  as  at  present,  will  be  equally  shared  for  the  benefit 
of  all.  Such  an  adjustment  will  be  opposed,  as  all 
other  great  reforms  have  been  resisted,  but  the  demand 
is  imperative,  and  when  humane  restitution  shall  have 
been  sanctioned,  what  a  change  from  our  present  pan- 
demonium to  one  approaching  (;arthly  felicity!  This  is 
no  wild  dream,  for  when  pauperism  is  thus  practically 
exterminated  there  will  be  no  more  pampered  classes, 
drones  will  have  to  labor,  and  the  progress  of  mankind 
will  be  assured.  In  that  happy  period  there  will  be  no 
daily  anguish  in  the  struggle  with  bitter  poverty,  no 
further  desperate  resources  to  make  a  living,  no  degrad- 
ing tampering  with  virtue  and  honor  to  secure  daily 
bread,  but  there  will  be  a  powerful  incentive  to  in- 
dustry; for  every  man  who  wills  it  can,  without  let  or 
hindc ranee,  have  a  fair  portion  of  land  to  cultivate; 
there  will  be  homes  and  plenty  for  all,  and  life  will  no 
longer  be  a  scene  of  misery  to  millions.  Let  some 
mighty  phalanx  rise  and  hurl  destitution  from  the 
earth! 


232 


UKMINISCKNCKS 


When  this  condition  is  assurccl  by  the  best  available 
method,  anil  wh.ii  men  follow  no  longer  the  dielales  of 
a  Divinity  who  has  sanctioned  blood  and  slaughter,  may 
it  not  be  r-msonable  to  expect  that  war,  the  next  great 
curse  of  the  human  race,  will  be  abolished,  and  that 
there  will  be  no  more  costly  armaments  but  such  as 
may  bo  sufllcicnt  P,nd  necessary  for  united  nations  to 
compel  non-conforming  rulers  or  despots,  who  would 
Btill  use  brutal  force,  to  submit  to  the  arbitrament  of 
more  humane  Governments?  With  fewer  potentates, 
with  fewer  Governments,  with  fewer  national  divisions 
and  subdivisions,  the  world  would  be  more  easily 
directed,  and  there  would  be  more  unity  and  peace 
among  men. 

What  shall  the  future  bring?    When  the  mmds  of 
able  men,  of  great  inventors,  discoverers,  and  bene- 
factors, are  released  from  the  pre-oecupation  of  the 
painful  problems  of  national  destitution  and  slaughter, 
and  their  talents  and  abilities  obtain  free  scope    in 
henciiccnt  directions,  it  may  be  no  Utopian  idea  to 
predict  that  further  wonderful  discoveries  will  reveal 
many  of  the  mysteries  of  Nature  by  which  disease  will 
be  greatly  lessened,  health  secured,  and  life  lengthened; 
that  we  may  be  better  able  to  control  winds  and  storms, 
perhaps  safely  to  navigate  the  air,  and  live  under  cir- 
cumstances now  considered  impossible;  that  the  heat  of 
the  sun  may  be  utilized  for  orcUnary  purposes;  that  the 
powers  of  Nature,  electricity,  and  other  natural  forces 
will  be  made  more  subservient;  and  that  general  know- 
led'TC  will  so  increase  as  further  to  exalt  and  humanize 
our"  ideas  respecting  morality,  and  enable  us  to  ignore 
nationality,  so  that  all  mces  of  men  can  in  the  truest 
sense  be  recognized  as  brethren,  and  the  universal  wish 
prevail  for  peace  on  earth,  and  a  caution  proclaimed 
throughout  the  world,  thus-"  Those  whom  Nature  has 
joined  together  let  no  man  put  asunder." 


CK8 


THE   INVESTIGATOR 


i  by  the  best  av.ailablc 
)  longer  Ibc  dictiiU-s  of 
ood  iind  slaughter,  may 
lat  war,  Uie  next  great 
be  abolished,  and  that 
arnmments  but  such  as 
y  for  united  nations  to 
r  despots,  who  would 
L  to  the  arbitrament  of 
With  fewer  potentates, 
'ewer  national  divisions 
would  be  more  easily 
more  unity  and  peace 

;?  When  the  minds  of 
discoverers,  and  bene- 
!  pre-oecupation  of  the 
3Stitution  and  slaughter, 
I  obtain  free  scope  in 
}c  no  Utopian  idea  to 

discoveries  will  reveal 
ire  by  which  disease  will 
red,  and  life  lengthened; 
)ntrol  winds  and  storms, 
5  air,  and  live  under  cir- 
ossiblo;  that  the  heat  of 
nary  purposes;  that  the 
and  other  natural  forces 

and  that  general  know- 
r  to  exalt  and  humanize 

and  enable  us  to  ignore 
of  men  can  in  the  truest 
1,  and  the  universal  wish 
nd  a  caution  proclaimed 
Those  whom  Nature  has 

asunder." 


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!i 


For  more  than  fifty  years  this  paper  has 
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world  of  opposition.  And  these  were  years 
"that  tried  men's  souls."  But  "the  good  old 
Investigator,"  (as  so  many  of  its  readers  are 
pleased  to  call  it,)  has  never  from  the  first 
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and  unequal  combat.  It  has  borne  the  brunt 
of  the  battle.  With  this  half  a  century  of 
faithful  service  behind  it,  it  may  well  be  called 
"the  tried  and  true  friend  of  human  rights." 
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man  through  the  truth  and  inspiration  of 
Mental  Liberty  and  moral  education.  True 
to  its  name  it  has  investigated  all  subjects 
deemed  worthy  of  attention.  It  has  investi- 
gated religions,  politics  and  customs — inves- 
tigated the  dreadful  superstitions  of  the  past, 
the  wicked  shams  of  the  present,  and  the 
seductive  delusions  regarding  the  future. 

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